New Mexico Real Estate Blog

 Friday, March 28, 2008

It's that time of year again when we need to pull out the yard furniture, uncover the pool, pick-up and sweep up after being closed indoors all winter.  Here is a checklist for you of basic items that should be done to your home each Spring.  These things are essential if you are planning on selling your home in the Spring.  If you start working on them each weekend, once the weather breaks, you'll have everything done by the time the school year comes to a close and your ready to put the For Sale Sign up.

1.    Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles.

2.    Clean gutters and downspouts.

3.    Paint exterior. What areas need paint? How about a new color trim?

4.    Check siding for loose nails.

5.    Caulk any leaks or cracks in basement walls and seal.

6.    Label and store removable storm windows and doors.

7.    Make sure all doors and windows close and lock properly.

8.    Wash window, put up screens and patch any holes.

9.    Remove all debris from yard.

10.    Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from flowerbeds and lawn.

11.    Begin spring landscaping projects.

12.    Create storage for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools in your garage.

13.    Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.

14.    Check for termites and insects and call an exterminator if needed.

15.    Open windows to ventilate.

16.    Give entire house overall cleaning.

17.    Check for leaks in water pipes Hot Water Heater, Bath & Sinks ,Under Home And around outside.

18.    Deck repaired ,clean , stained , sealing or build a new one.

19.    Power Washing – Decks, Brickwork, Siding, Concrete & Re-Sealing.

Being in the real estate business gives me the opportunity to meet many different types of business people like myself.  If you find that you need to hire some help to get these things done, make sure to give me a call.  I will recommend the best providers for home maintenance and home repair.  Keep an eye out on my website for a new listing of Preferred Providers and local Albuquerque area Businesses.

And, don't forget, if you are wondering how much your home is worth in today's Real Estate Market, I provide a FREE, No Obligation Home Market Analysis.

Christie Humphrey, ABR, REALTOR©

EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month, a time when state radon programs and other partners conduct special radon outreach activities and events across the country.  Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually. 

Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon.

The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all homes be tested.  You can test your home yourself and I can help you.  Call me today 505-239-4236 or email me at Humphreyfam5@MSN.com for your free, no obligation, Residential Radon Home Test Kit.  These kits are a free gift, with no obligation for anyone who asks.  You'll be glad you did and you have nothing to loose and everything to gain.