The Realtor's Corner

(submitted by Sue Collins, ReMax 100 in the October, 2005 issue of the Whittier Express newsletter)

You’ve heard the old saying “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Well I can tell you that saying does not apply to buyers looking at potential homes. They do judge books – in this case, homes – by the way they look on the outside, just as they judge the appearance of a neighborhood’s parks, pools and common areas. That’s why it is important for all of us to maintain the exterior of our homes and our common areas to ensure the homes in our neighborhood continued to earn – and maintain -- top value.

For most of us our home is our greatest asset. Maintaining its condition and the condition of its surroundings will directly affect its value. If you were going to put your house up for sale tomorrow you would want it to show in its optimal condition, so why not make continual maintenance your investment in your home? It will save weeks of work and worry when the time comes to sell your home and you will reap the benefits in the meantime. Here is a list of common exterior items to check on a regular basis:

• Is my exterior painting fresh? This is an appearance issue as well as a needed maintenance item to prevent dry rot.
• Are my windows and doors caulked annually? This will help with heating and air conditioning costs plus it will prevent moisture from entering your home.
• Are all my roof shingles in place? Whittier can be a very windy place and shingles that are attached today may be missing tomorrow. Missing shingles can cause roof leaks that can lead to ceiling damage and attic moisture. Attic moisture can lead to a horrible four letter word – MOLD.
• Is my chimney flashing in good shape and caulked? This is another maintenance item that can lead to a roof leak.
• How does my lawn look? Ideally, your grass should be cut, your lawn weed-free, flower beds mulched and trimmed, and shrubs pruned to show your home in its best light.
• Is my deck recently washed and stained? This will prolong the life of your deck and avoid costly repair or replacement in the future.

As Whittier ages we all need to pay particular attention to the exterior appearance of our homes. Contrary to what you may hear, new is not always the choice for all homebuyers. Many people are drawn to older neighborhoods such as Whittier because of their established character, mature vegetation and timeless quality. Take a good look at your home’s curb appeal and invest some time in your largest investment. For now I think I’m heading outside to check out my home!

The Realtor’s Corner will be an on-going article for the Whittier newsletter. Further topics will include “What home improvements reap the greatest return on investment”, “How much are homes worth in Whittier and how does that compare to the recent past,” “How to get your home ready to sell” and more! If you have a topic you would like to see covered, please email Sue Collins at suecollins@suechapin.com or call her at 301 360-1126.