Summer Home Maintenance Tasks: Jobs to Do If Your House Is For Sale

Summer is the perfect time of year to get a head start on home maintenance tasks you always put off, such as painting trim and doing yard work. If your house is for sale this summer, there are some additional things that should be done in order to make it attractive and appealing to potential buyers. Add these 5 tasks to your summer checklist to help buyers see your home as the beautiful home they picture themselves living in.

1. Washing windows

Nothing can ruin a potential buyer’s impression of your home more than when they look out to see your lovely yard, pond, or lake view, than windows which are dirty or water spattered. Clean windows are an immediate way to show your potential buyers that your home is well cared for, and that the views outside are to be enjoyed. If your time has already filled up with summer activities and you have no time to do it yourself, consider hiring this job out. The average cost of window cleaning for a 1500 square foot house is approximately $150-300 (Home Advisor)

2. Clean Window Screens

As long as you’re paying special attention to your windows, don’t forget about your screens. Screens can be easily cleaned with a gentle spray of water and then left to dry in sunlight. If you have any holes or tears in the screen, replace the screen. This repair usually costs $50 or less, and you’ll be glad you did when you don’t have mosquitoes buzzing you at 2am!

3. Cleaning gutters

If your home is for sale this summer, it’s a perfect time to make sure the rain gutter and downspout are clear of leaves or other debris. Cleaning out gutters will not only prevent unnecessary water damage to exterior wood siding when heavy rains come- it also shows that you care about how the house looks from outside, before a potential buyer comes to visit. Left cluttered, clogged gutters can contribute to leaky roofs, or damage that can be very expensive to fix. Even more unsettling is that outside critters looking for warm bedding may make a home in these areas, and eventually may make their way into your home.

Considering doing it yourself? Check out this video from Lowes: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/cleaning-services/clean-windows/

Want to hire it out? Prices do vary, depending on square footage of your home, but is up to approximately $1.50 per linear foot (Home Advisor: https://homeguide.com/costs/gutter-cleaning-cost)

4. Power washing exterior walkways and driveway

Power washing walkways is a quick and economical way to give a fresh, clean look to your sidewalks and driveway. Your house will look fresh and inviting, ready for that first open house of the summer. Even if you don’t have a pressure washer, it’s quick and easy to rent one.

Here’s how to do it: https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/hardscape/power-washing-a-walk

5. Ensure flowers look healthy, and greenery looks neat and trimmed

Be sure that the plants are healthy and cared for throughout the hot months by regularly watering them, either through hand watering or use of irrigation systems. Remove any diseased leaves from shrubs, trees, or hedges as they will provide hiding spots for invasive pests, which can spread disease quickly among nearby vegetation. For hedges or shrubs, make sure they are not unruly, as this will give an impression that your home is not cared for.

No flowers? Consider adding a couple of summer-hearty potted or hanging plants to your steps or outdoor entrances. The pop of color will add visual interest and an extra bit of life to your outdoor space. Consider geraniums, fuchsias, impatiens, or begonias.

Enjoy your summer, and your sale!

Summer is a great time to tackle some home maintenance tasks, and even more-so if your home is listed and getting showings or open houses. I hope these tips not only make a powerful impact on your potential buyers, but help you enjoy the time while you’re living in your home!

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