Helping New Homeowners Retain Home Value, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basic tips on retaining your home’s value once you’ve purchased it. Homeownership is a long-term investment, and many buyers engineer their mortgage and other financial factors to account for this – and performing basic upkeep steps to retain value plays a major role.

At Primary Residential Mortgage, we’re happy to offer not only a huge range of mortgage loans and the best mortgage rates available, but also expertise on numerous related areas, including retaining home value following a purchase. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll look at several other primary areas to keep an eye on when it comes to long-term home value retention.

Roof and Attic Attention

We mentioned exterior themes in part one of this series, and one of the single most important within this realm is the roof of the home. You should be performing a basic visual inspection of the roof at least a few times per year, checking for missing shingles, clogged rain gutters or other clear issues – many of which can be easily remedied, either on your own or with the assistance of a local roofer.

With the right care, roofing elements should last decades. Some materials, such as metal and tile, can last for up to 50 years in many cases. But if you don’t take the proper maintenance course here, you may find your roof wearing down in closer to five or ten years, costing you a major sum in the process. The attic area is also often an ideal area to inspect when checking for roof damage like leaks or related concerns.

HVAC System

There are a few important areas to keep in mind when it comes to HVAC systems, and perhaps the most vital for homeowners is also the simplest: Changing filters regularly. Not only does this keep the air in your home healthier, it also limits the strain on your system due to clogged filters.

Beyond this, we strongly recommend contracting with a local HVAC company for other needs. They will assist with everything from standard seasonal maintenance to minor repairs.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Two of the room areas in homes that tend to have the most direct connection to property value are kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re considering a home remodel at any point, these are rooms that should be prime candidates. In addition, as these are vital areas for many homebuyers, check regularly for issues like leaks, mold and mildew or related concerns.

Other Areas

A few other areas to note when it comes to retaining home value:

• Asphalt and concrete surfaces: Whether in driveways, patios, walkways, garage floors or other areas.
• Basement: Check for foundation cracks and any leaks or settling concerns.
• Hardwood floors: Should be refinished at least once every 10 years to prevent permanent damage.
• Smoke and CO2 alarms: Test them regularly and replace batteries at least once a year, or more often if needed.

For more on how to retain home value after a purchase, or to learn about any of our mortgage company services or home loan programs, speak to the staff at Primary Residential Mortgage today.

*PRMI NMLS 3094. PRMI is an Equal Housing Lender. Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification. This is not a commitment to lend. Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views of my employer.