Keeping up with your home maintenance requires knowledge and attentiveness. But it also requires money. This is what real estate professionals mean when we refer to the "cost of ownership."  You can stay on top of these requirements by utilizing your home warranty and by keeping maintenance cash reserves. Even just $50 per month can add up and be a lifesaver if something goes wrong your home warranty does not cover.

Keep in mind, if you do not maintain your home properly, this will negatively impact the future sale/value of your home. Conversely, properly maintaining your home will set the stage for your future success when the time comes to sell. Here are some simple but important actions you can take to ensure your home remains in tip-top shape. You may want to spread out these actions throughout the year so that you don't feel overwhelmed. For example, it's always a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detector on the weekends when the time changes occur (daylight savings to stander and vice versa). If you use Outlook or a similar application, it's very simple to set reminders for these actions in the future. Or you could simply enter them in the family calendar hanging in your kitchen. 

Finally, be sure to ask other home owners you know who they use and trust for some of the items that require a professional's care. As you receive mail advertisements for home service providers, you could designate a folder to keep all these names handy. When the time comes to call one, you may have more than one to choose from and compare value.

Following is an excellent checklist compiled from the equally excellent book "Your First Home" by Gary Keller. We recommend reading this book if you are considering home ownership. In fact, we would love for it to be required reading before the keys are handed over to any first time home buyer!

Keeping it Clean:

• Clean you gutters once a year
• Change your air filters every 2-3 mos or when they appear dirty
• Have your heating and AC serviced once a year
• Change the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year
• Read your appliance manuals for recommended upkeep, such as changing your refrigerator's water filter, etc.

Keeping an eye on it:

• Cracks in the ceiling or walls could indicate foundation problems
• Water stains indicate leaks, which need to be fixed as soon as possible
• Eroding caulk around doors and windows can let in moisture that causes dangerous mold growth inside your walls.       
• Buckling or faded shingles indicate your roof is nearing the end of its life
• Tree branches scraping your roof can damage shingles and allow pests access to your home.
• Signs of pests common to your area.

With a little forward planning and attention to detail you can help ensure a safe and happy home as well as protect your financial investment.