Homeownership is part of the American dream. But it also comes with significant responsibilities. You have monthly payments to whichever lender you borrowed the loan from. You also owe property taxes to the local government and, potentially, school taxes.
Another one of your responsibilities is taking care of the home itself. Allowing it to fall into disrepair is not only bad for the comfort of the house but for your finances as well.
Taking care of your home in Phoenix, AZ, is a necessary aspect of being a residential property owner. Here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind to do so effectively.
Keep and Consult the Inspection Report
Part of every home purchase is a property inspection, though some buyers make the mistake of waiving the inspection to reduce costs. This report reveals all the fixes or property issues that may need to be addressed to make the home safe. Additionally, the inspector may point out areas that could become problematic in the future but are in fine condition for now. Hanging onto this report and consulting it every once in a while is a smart way to keep up with maintenance issues in your home.
Investing in Upgrades
With age, wear, and tear can compromise different parts of your home. These elements can make the house less functional while also reducing its value. If you secured a loan from mortgage brokers in Phoenix, then every monthly payment is building equity in the property. However, that equity will be useless when you sell if the home is outdated or in disrepair.
Investing in upgrades is the best way to ensure the home is comfortable to live in and increases in value for future sales. Potential upgrades include bathroom remodels, outdoor living spaces, building additions, and new windows.
Keep Up with Repairs
When things do go wrong with your home, it is crucial to address them quickly. Problems tend to exacerbate over time if they are ignored, so it is better for your bank account if you take immediate action. If you notice parts of the roof starting to fall apart, plan for roof repairs quickly. Signs of water damage, like wall stains or flaking paint, should be inspected fast to find the source of the leakage, then restorative work can begin. If an appliance is no longer operating as efficiently as it used to, call in a specialist to take a look at it and make repairs.
Replace Aging Pieces
A home is a complex system of structures, machines, electricity, and plumbing. The older these elements get, the more likely they are to break down or become dysfunctional. Replacing the aging elements in your home is a great way to protect the property from expensive mishaps. Appliances and fixtures should be a priority if they are beginning to show signs of aging. The last thing you want is for an old faucet to suddenly become a flood risk or an aging dishwasher to leak into your kitchen. If the cost of repairs to old house elements is no longer worth it, investing in new pieces to replace them will typically ensure longevity.
Don’t Forget About Landscaping
The elements of the building are not the only aspects of the property that need to be looked after. The exterior space is important as well. Your yard could become infested with weeds or other growths that make it look unappealing. Poor landscaping around the foundation could cause water to leak into the home when it rains. Tree roots could become a threat to underground sewer lines if they are not managed. Keep up with lawn maintenance by mowing and trimming the grass and weeds. Build a grade away from the home’s foundation to help with drainage. Avoid planting trees where underground pipes are or have trees that are already there removed.
Keep Up With Payments
The last step is making sure that you keep up with all your payments, whether they are for utilities, the mortgage, taxes, or insurance.
This money is owed to various parties, and failing to make them may compromise your ownership of the home. You can’t take care of a home that you aren’t living in, and paying for it is one of your primary responsibilities.
Take Care of the Home So You Can Reap Its Benefits
The responsibilities listed above are a small price to pay for the many benefits of owning a home. This property is not like a rental where you cannot make any significant changes, and your rent does nothing to build equity. You also have a yard to call your own and a place to retreat for you and your family. Plus, houses come with more privacy than other options like apartments or condos, where you might share a wall with your neighbors.
Taking advantage of these benefits is only possible if you take care of your Phoenix home, so be proactive with maintenance, repairs, and making payments on time.
About The Author
