Our House…
…Is a very very very fine house. Or is it in the middle of our street? Either way, as a homeowner, you need to be thinking about what’s just around the corner. Autumn. When the leaves fall and the wind blows and it’s time to get the house ready for winter.
In our Homebuyer Education classes, we talk about maintenance and give some information on what to check and when; as in spring or summer, or in winter or fall. If you are a new homeowner, or are looking to buy a home, you’ll want to prepare yourself for things that need to be done to maintain your home, so you get through the next season without problems.
With our handy dandy HERO Home Maintenance checklist, there is one theme that runs through the list. Take care of small problems, and the big problems take care of themselves. While this is true in more than just home maintenance, it really can make a big difference there. Using or making a checklist is a good way to make sure not only the big items, but the small ones are covered.
Especially when it is a part of the house we maybe don’t see everyday, like the roof or the basement. The preferred way to find a leak around the chimney is not when water starts coming in through the upstairs ceiling. The first big blizzard is not the day to realize the snow blower needs a new belt. Not sure if those gutters are clean? Little trees growing up there is a good sign that it’s time. The first really hot day of the may be too late to have your air conditioner serviced and avoid a breakdown.
Think of it as an inspection, much like you had your home inspected when you purchased it. Checking all the things helps to prevent not having heat on a cold day, or a big tree branch rubbing on the siding in the wind, or any number of things.
Are you looking to purchase a home or a different home? Homebuyer Education can give you the information you need, not just about maintenance, but all the information you need to make a good decision for yourself.
Check our calendar to find next Homebuyer Education class. These sessions are all free of charge. Contact us at 1-888-258-2227 or http://www.lsssd.org
Written by Sylvia Selgestad, Financial Counselor and Educator
Photo credit: istockphoto.com
LSS Center for Financial Resources
Consumer Credit Counseling Service | Housing Resources | Sharpen Your Financial Focus | Financial Fitness Education
705 East 41st Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls SD 57105-6047
605-330-2700 or 888-258-2227
www.LssSD.org
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