Sellers: Prepare Your Home for the Fall Season

Keep Track of Your Home Maintenance

As the weather transitions into the fall season, you will want to prepare your home for colder weather, falling leaves, and maybe even some snow. This is particularly important if you plan to put your home on the market. Tackling maintenance tasks now can help you avoid issues later on. HomeHunt created an easy checklist to help get your home ready for the next season and welcome potential buyers.

Interior Maintenance

The interior is the most important aspect of helping potential buyers envision themselves living in your home. Keep the following checklist items in mind when preparing to list your home on the market:

Invest in Regular HVAC Maintenance

Schedule seasonal maintenance check-ups with an HVAC company in the fall to tackle any issues before the major heating months. Also, replace the air conditioner filter every month and make sure it’s free of debris like leaves, dust, and grass clippings.

Drain the Water Heater Tank

Every three months, drain about a quarter of the tank to remove any debris. This will help you save on energy. Additionally, discharge the valve two or three times, and look out for any leaks.

Get Your Sump Pump Serviced

Check to make sure that your sump pump is standing upright and connected to its GFCI outlet. You should also have it serviced by a professional at least once a year.

iStock-1294344007Check the Exhaust Duct

It’s a good idea to check the duct running from your dryer to your dryer vent since any blockage can cause a serious fire. Check and clean the lint filter to reduce additional fire risk and help your clothes dry faster.

Change the Batteries in Your Detectors

Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year.

Exterior Maintenance

The exterior of your home is vital when drawing in buyers. Be sure to conduct the following steps to get your home looking great this fall season:

Apply Weatherstripping to Insulate Windows

Gaps in the weatherstripping let cold air into your warm home. Apply weather stripping to your windows to avoid drafts and protect against water damage.

Enhance Your Curb AppealInspect the Roof

Inspect your roof from top to bottom by checking the shingles for cracks and wind damage. Once a roof starts to leak, it becomes very difficult to find the source. It’s best to conduct an inspection twice a year to prevent severe leak damage.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

 Maintain your lawn, plant some flowers, and make sure your front entrance feels welcoming. To catch buyers’ attention, apply a fresh coat of paint to the exterior or paint the door a different color. In the fall, rake up fallen leaves and get rid of any debris as well.

For more tips on how to get your home ready to sell this fall season, download our free Fall Maintenance Checklist, or contact a HomeHunt agent today. 

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