Happy New Year!
Welcome to a brand-new year filled with challenges and joys, as they all are.
As your Realtor, I’d like you to consider this year’s January a different exercise than you’ve ever done before. Yes, we must replace the batteries in our detectors each year, and our Refrigerator and A/C Filters…. But what else?
I encourage you to create a list of every major component of your home, along with its age and the approximate time you will need to replace it.
Everyone’s list is different, but I’m talking about things like:
- Appliances (list each)
- Flooring
- Paint Interior and Exterior
- Roof
- Water Heater
- Windows
- HVAC
- Bathroom Fixtures (like sink, cabinets, tub, toilet)
- Kitchen Fixtures (like counters/cabinets/pantry)
- Plumbing Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Closet Systems
- Siding
- Landscaping
- Driveway/Decks/Porches
While this is daunting, it’s also necessary for being a responsible homeowner.
I am always baffled by people who say, “I want to own a house versus a condo because of those pesky maintenance fees.”
Newsflash. Those fees pay for the replacement of major components in a condo association. And you SHOULD have a “maintenance fee” on your own home to cover those same things!
Once you have your list and the approximate year for replacement of each, you are able to PLAN.
Do a Maintenance Budget for your own home and calculate how much you need to be putting into your maintenance fund each month so you’re not caught off guard and have the funds on hand when these items come up.
Find this overwhelming? I’m happy to help you when Mike and I are back from our trip to Thailand! Book time with me in February, Marc,h or April to help you do this.
For some people, it may be more frugal ot sell an older home that will need lots of items replaced in the coming years and downsize or upsize to a newer or already remodeled home.
We can talk about that too if you want to explore your options!
Call me – 678-477-4897
Donna Stott, Realtor, Broker
Stott Homes
