This is an extension of my last post, to finish the thought for the most part. 

Many homeowners today simply 'live' in their homes and somehow think that the home will 'keep' itself.  Sure they mow the lawn once every other week, and might vacuum from time to time, but beyond that they truly feel that since they have a 30 year mortage - the must have a home that wont need maintenance of any sort for 30 years.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  It is not difficult to keep a home, nor to maintain it.  Some things simply need to be scheduled such as:

• Changing the air filter once a month:  You would be surprised at the homes we go to only to find a dirt clogged airfilter or no filter at all.  People do not realize that by not changing the filter, they are restricting the air flow which causes the unit to work harder - shaves years off life span and jacks up the electric or gas bill.
• Mowing the yard every week - not only does this make your home more appealing, it is also a chain reaction for many neighborhoods - as one yard goes - so goes the neighborhood.
• Treating the deck - only needs to be done once a year, but can save you so much money in the long run.
• Cleaning the gutters - good to check them once a quarter (more often in the fall).  Clogged gutters overflow in front and behind the gutter.  This can cause a myriad of issues from rotting soffit to mold and mildew in the crawspace and basement.  Sometimes the gutter just comes down - Now aint that a sight to see.
• Painting soffit and windows - don't go cheap and don't forget the chauk!  Use a good quality paint.  On new construction - you can figure that the windows (if wood) will need to be repainted in a matter of two years or less as the paint that most contractors use is just that - CONTRACTOR GRADE.  If you let it go - you will not only have unsightly windows, but you will find yourself replacing them due to rot in a matter of years and it could be far worse - you could end up replacing part of the wall due to water damage.
• Pest control - it costs us 20 dollars a month to have our home sprayed for insects and traps placed.  You can do it yourself, but you should do it once a month.
• Annual or semi-annual central heat and air unit service - runs about $75 bucks and well worth it.  They will service the unit and inform you of any little things before they become BIG

There is much more that I am sure I am leaving out - the point is that the SIMPLE items listed above will help you to KEEP your home and will also help you when it is time to sell in so many ways!

Tim and Pam Cash

Crye-Leike Realtors, Clarksville

www.cashsofclarksville.com