Keeping a home in tiptop shape demands patience and dedication to diligent maintenance. Glaring maintenance issues tend to be a major pain in the back when it comes to putting a home on the market. A few calls to the pros and some DIY elbow grease goes a long way in preserving a home’s value.
Whether you’re a homebuyer or seller, staying on top of maintenance issues is essential. As a buyer, you don’t want to commit to a sale only to figure out that the damp spot on the ceiling you ignored was a much bigger problem. And as a seller, you want to be on the lookout for avoidable maintenance issues that may derail the sale or devalue your property.
Here are some maintenance issues when buying or selling—including how to avoid them:
Forgetting About the Exterior
First impressions are everything when it comes to real estate. If you’re selling, prospective buyers will most definitely ‘size up’ your property as they walk to the front door.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. Curb appeal is a window into the state of the house. A neglected exterior raises questions on whether the property has more significant issues elsewhere.
So clean out flowerbeds, trim overhanging or dead branches, and apply a fresh coat of paint—generally keep the landscape tidy. It’s a way to start the buyer-seller interaction on the right foot.
Neglecting the Roof
It’s easy to forget about the roof. But neglect can trigger a costly domino effect. For example, a small roof crack or blocked gutter that goes undetected can lead to water slowly seeping into your home—damaging ceilings, walls, and even the foundation.
As a buyer, you’re already spending a pretty penny to buy a home. For this reason, it’s important to be wary of roof issues that may put a dent in your bank account down the road. And as a seller, you’ll have a hard time making the house appealing to buyers.
Takeaway? Ensure regular maintenance of the roof. Check for discolored patches, missing shingles, clogged gutters, and small leaks. Minor repairs will save you a lot of money and stress.
Failure to Notice Cracks in the Foundation
A tiny crack in the structure may seem harmless to the untrained eye. But it can spiral downhill into a sale-killing, costly problem if ignored.
Structural damage may be occasioned by weakened foundations, which may mean that walls, roof structures, and doorways are unstable.
It’s advisable to call in a professional to inspect the property. This helps identify the root cause (such as water damage)—giving you an opportunity to make repairs before the damage escalates.
Critters and Termites
Termites and critters can take a hefty toll on the marketability and livability of a home. The unwanted invaders damage the structure of a home, some are health risks, and they can leave a costly stain on an inspection report.
Simple maintenance projects like taking care of openings from damaged fascia under the roofline or plugging holes in the siding can save you from the hefty tab of eradicating critters from your home.
As for termites, it’s crucial to schedule regular inspections to identify the telltale signs of the insects. There should also be a termite protection plan in place.
Ignoring Water Damage and Plumbing Problems
Does the faucet drip? How does stormwater flow away from the house? Any risk of water ponding?
Water issues are a major concern for homebuyers and homeowners alike. Ignoring a faulty drainage system or a leaking plumbing system can have serious long-term consequences. Putting off some seemingly minor repairs for too long can exacerbate the damage.
The general rule of thumb is to never downplay plumbing or drainage issues—regardless of how trivial they may seem. A little due diligence will save you in the long run.
Lack of Modern Safety Features
Proper maintenance of safety features such as smoke detectors is non-negotiable. Not just for the marketability of the home but also for the safety of whoever lives there and for compliance with the law. Most state and local laws require in-home smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
The simple act of replacing dead batteries in your smoke or carbon monoxide detector can save a life. So always ensure all safety features are updated. This is one of the first things on a home inspector’s checklist.
Not Staying Up to Date with Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal tasks are an often-neglected maintenance issue when buying or selling a house.For example, having patio furniture outside usually doesn’t raise any alarm. But it’s not a good reflection on the property when this happens during winter.
It suggests a lack of caring and deferred maintenance, which only raises doubts about the state of the rest of the house. Think about it: If a home seller can’t safely store patio furniture, why should a potential buyer believe that the house was actually maintained before?
Staying on top of seasonal maintenance tasks helps preserve a home’s value while making it more attractive in the market.
Unskilled Maintenance Work
You need to learn where to draw a line between cost-saving and getting the right person for the job. Sure, you can DIY some maintenance tasks. But if you feel uncertain or when a task poses a risk of injury, there’s no shame in throwing in the towel and calling in a professional.
But not just any professional. Don’t give in to the temptation of hiring unskilled maintenance workers in the hope of saving a few pennies. Experts may fetch a higher fee, but they are more likely to do a thorough job, reducing the risk of repeat repairs.
It Boils Down to Diligence
In addition to understanding some of the maintenance issues when selling or buying a home, you need to know your responsibilities. What are the state and local laws on repair requests? What are the rights of the buyer? Who pays for repairs after the home inspection? Which fixes are mandatory, and which repair requests shouldn’t a buyer ask?
The housing market and real estate laws can be confusing. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Having a real estate agent on your corner can help you save a ton of money in repairs and from the headaches of buying or selling a home. If you need our professional advice, reach out, and let’s discuss how you can get the best value.
