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The Importance of Homeownership Upkeep

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Realty Concierge International MA #9535680 RI#REB0019277

Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

Owning a home is one of the biggest financial investments most people will ever make and like any major asset, it requires consistent care to preserve its value. A well‑maintained property not only protects your equity but also ensures safety, comfort, and long‑term financial stability.

Most experts recommend setting aside 1% to 3% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs. For a $500,000 home, that means budgeting $5,000 to $15,000 annually. Older homes, homes in harsh climates, or properties with aging systems may require even more. While this number can feel significant, proactive upkeep is always less expensive than deferred maintenance that turns into a major repair.

Regular updates, even small ones, keep your home fresh, functional, and competitive in the market. Touch‑up paint, updated fixtures, seasonal servicing of HVAC systems, and routine roof and gutter checks all extend the life of your home’s components. These tasks also prevent minor issues from becoming costly emergencies.

Beyond the financial benefits, maintaining your home protects your safety and comfort. A well‑cared‑for property supports healthy living conditions, energy efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you plan to stay for decades or sell in the near future, consistent upkeep ensures your home remains an asset that grows in value rather than a liability that drains your budget.

 

Posted by

 


Kelly McGovern, Broker/Owner

Realty Concierge International
Mobile: (508) 331-7158
eFax: (877) 491-3766
Email: Info@KellyMcGovern.Realtor
Website: http://www.RealtyConcierge.Realtor
9535680

Comments(6)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Oh my goodness, Kelly. Are you ever singing my song! I keep telling my buyers that a house is a "living/breathing" entity and they have to maintain their homes and if they don't it will cost more to repair down the line.

Apr 16, 2026 06:17 AM
Kelly McGovern

I like that!  'living/breathing entity!  I'll be using that going forward :) 

Apr 16, 2026 06:43 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I had a client very recently who called me up because she needed a new roof (and was asking for a recommendation). She let me know she had been saving a couple of years for the roof (about 20k) but decided at the last minute to use the money to take her 15 year old daughter to Greece. When she got home the roof was leaking. She needed a company that would finance the roof. People are INSANE. 

Apr 16, 2026 06:26 AM
Kelly McGovern

OMG!  Seriously!?  There is reason you put the money aside and it's not to go to Greece! I'm sure the lesson was learned. 

Apr 16, 2026 06:44 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty

The lesson was not learned Kelly McGovern she just did the same thing again...and first class ticket to fly because it is TOO HARD to fly in small seats (they are both 5 feet tall and 100 lbs).

Apr 16, 2026 07:01 AM
Kelly McGovern

I have no words Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty !  Hopefully she replenishes the home savings account in the meantime.  

Apr 16, 2026 07:54 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Thanks for sharing great information Kelly!!!

A well‑maintained property not only protects your equity but also ensures safety, comfort, and long‑term financial stability. Most experts recommend setting aside 1% to 3% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs. 

Apr 16, 2026 06:28 AM
Kelly McGovern

It's a good reminder for us all.

Apr 16, 2026 06:44 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kelly McGovern I have never understood how anyone can purchase the most expensive thing they will ever purchase in their life, and then let it fall apart.  Not performing the needed maintenance on a home is the same as throwing away money in my opinion.

Apr 16, 2026 03:31 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

HI Kelly- It's your home...where you spend a great deal of time. Why not take care of it. Plus...it's one of the best investments you'll have. Our friend/neighbor in FL was always doing something to maintain their home. Every year they had one big project. 

Apr 16, 2026 06:17 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Upkeep is so important, not just for the people living in a home, but when thinking about resale value when it comes time to sell the home.

Apr 17, 2026 07:15 AM