In today’s uncertain times, the only thing you can really expect is the unexpected. While some houses sell in a day, others sit for months, with no obvious reason for the discrepancy. If you find yourself in a situation where your home is stuck on the market for longer than planned, you might wonder how you will be able to take care of it. Here are three simple ways to maintain your listing long-term.
Power Wash the Exterior
Most home maintenance tasks require constant upkeep. However, a good power washing of the exterior should last for months. A clean exterior improves curb appeal. Find a siding detergent specifically made for your type of siding. Protect the surrounding landscape by covering the area in plastic sheets. Also, cover any air vents to ensure that water doesn’t enter the house. Clean your siding from top to bottom, scouring trouble areas with a telescoping scrubber. After applying the detergent, allow it to sit for a few minutes to give it time to kill any mold, mildew, and algae. Once the detergent has done its job, rinse it thoroughly. For most siding materials, you can use a relatively high PSI setting on the power washer. However, for wood or aluminum siding, turn the PSI to a lower setting.
Keep Up With Landscaping
Lawncare and landscaping maintenance is not something that can be put on hold, especially in the warmer months. Even if the house is empty, you will need to develop a landscaping maintenance plan. If you live near the property, you might be able to manage this yourself. Otherwise, you will need to hire a lawn care service provider. Keep the yard free of weeds, trash, and debris. Perform seasonal maintenance, such as leaf removal in the fall, a flushing of the sprinkler system before the first freeze, branch pick-up in the spring, and regular watering in the summer. One job that will need to be performed weekly throughout the growing season is mowing. Landscaping ensures your lawn is getting enough water and stays trim.
Keep the Home Secure
An empty home is an easy target for burglars. There are some easy steps you can take to keep the home secure while it is vacant. Install motion detector lights, put exterior lights on a timer, and keep your home alarm system running. Additionally, it is a good idea to ask neighbors to be on the lookout. Finally, don’t store valuables in the home. It can be frustrating when your home takes longer to sell than anticipated. Don’t let the maintenance cause extra stress. There are simple things you can do to make sure your home is always ready to show. Check out this article on preventative maintenance to keep your roof in shape!