Do You Have Home Deferred Maintenance? Is It Getting Away From You?
As a senior homeowner, it’s easy to let maintenance tasks slip through the cracks, especially as the years go by. If you've been living in your home for a long time, you may find yourself surrounded by little issues that have accumulated over time, leading to what is commonly referred to as deferred maintenance. If you’re overwhelmed by these tasks, don’t worry—you're not alone. Before considering selling your home, let’s explore deferred maintenance, why it matters, and how to address it effectively. I am here to help.
Why is it essential to deal with deferred maintenance?
Deferred maintenance refers to the failure to keep up with necessary repairs and upkeep of your home. This could include an unknown leaky roof, peeling paint, broken appliances, and outdated plumbing systems. Over time, these minor issues can become significant problems, leading to costly repairs and affecting the overall value of your home. We don't have to fix everything, but I suggest what to repair, leave it alone, and disclose it to a potential new home buyer in your custom home inspection portfolio. This is my wheelhouse of expertise as a Residential Remodel Specialist. I do this all day, every day, for my senior sellers.
The Importance of Addressing Deferred Maintenance
Ignoring maintenance issues can have several negative consequences. For example, it could impact your bottom line with lost profits when selling your home.
1. Lower Property Value: Many potential buyers may be deterred by visible issues or offer significantly less for a neglected property.
2. Increased Repair Costs: Small problems can escalate into major repairs if not addressed promptly. For example, a minor leak can lead to water damage or mold if left unchecked. I suggest a comprehensive inspection portfolio before listing your home. Call me, and I can discuss how I have guided my sellers in this process.
3. Safety Hazards: Some deferred maintenance issues, like faulty wiring or structural problems, can pose safety risks to you and your loved ones. It is crucial to have a licensed inspector evaluate these areas before selling your home so you can repair or disclose any known areas that a potential buyer will discover during the escrow contingency process. I coach you through all these critical steps.
How can I help you identify deferred maintenance in your home that will impact pricing and your potential profitability?
You can start by thoroughly reviewing your home to see what needs attention. I consider the following areas: I help you set up and schedule various inspections with certified and insured vendors. I have a long list of local vendors on my professional list for my senior sellers.
These are a few examples of inspections that I suggest for your home. Click on the videos attached for more information.
- Roof and Gutters: Check for missing shingles, leaks, or debris in gutters that could impede drainage.
- Plumbing - Sewer Lateral - Septic Systems - Look for leaks under sinks, running toilets, or slow drains that may indicate plumbing issues.
- Electrical Systems: Test outlets and switches to ensure they’re functioning. Look for exposed wires or flickering lights.
- Exterior: Assess the condition of your siding, windows, and doors. Look for peeling paint, cracks, or gaps that could let in moisture or pests.
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HVAC Systems: Ensure your heating and cooling systems are maintained regularly for efficiency and safety.
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Solar Inspections—These need to be performed by a licensed vendor. I have their numbers in my Rolodex.
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Pest Inspections - when was your home last tented or inspected?
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Fireplace Inspection - This is an essential safety item to review and get a certified chimney sweep cleaning and inspection.
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Geological Inspection - What are the soils, fault lines on your property, and are there any underground water issues in the crawlspace? Please know these answers before we list the property. These questions will come up...I promise!
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Environmental Inspections - air quality in the home. Are there any dangerous airborne issues in the home?
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Radon Inspection - may be necessary depending on your home's location in Santa Barbara or Montecito, CA.
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Asbestos and Lead Paint—These inspections may or may not be performed, depending on the age of the home and whether prior remodel work has been performed.
Let me help create a Home Refresh pre-sale plan.
Once you’ve identified the areas that need attention, it’s time to create a practical maintenance plan:
1. Prioritize—We will list the needed repairs and prioritize them based on urgency and potential impact on your home value.
2. Budget—I will help you by performing a cost analysis and getting bids on the costs associated with repairs and the potential extra net profit you can expect to gain from them.
3. Hire Professionals - Some repairs may be beyond your skill level or require special tools. Hire qualified contractors as you want to provide receipts for work completed. All these repairs can be deducted from your taxes.
Deborah's special considerations for seniors...
I understand the stress and fear of tackling deferred maintenance, especially if mobility issues or health concerns arise. Here is how I help.
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Please don't hesitate to ask for help. When you hire me as your Senior Specialist Real Estate Agent, I will lend a helping hand and make all the difference for your family.
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Utilize vetted and insured vendors on your property. Limit your liability and hire professionals.
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If you plan to sell your home, addressing deferred maintenance can significantly enhance its value and appeal to potential buyers. Let's talk about how I can help. I have many delighted senior clients whom I have helped net much higher profits for selling their homes by completing a pre-sale inspection and Refresh project.
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I will send you my past senior clients' phone numbers, let them explain their experience, and tell you personally about their improved bottom line at escrow.
Deborah's Final Thoughts...
I know deferred maintenance can feel overwhelming, but it’s never too late to take action. By acknowledging the issues, creating a plan with a professional, and seeking help when needed, you can restore your home to its former glory and avoid costly escrow credits when a buyer sends you a laundry list of repairs they want at closing.
If you are unsure where to start or need professional guidance in assessing your home’s condition, I’m here to help. Together, we can ensure your home is sale-ready, maximize your net at closing, and support you by assisting you from A to Z.
Warm regards,
Deborah & Kelsey
