Keep up the maintenance, because you never know when you might need to sell

We all tend to lead such busy lives where sometimes we forget to take some time out and look after what’s important – our health, our family and for most of us our biggest investment, our home.

As Kiwis we love to be home owners if we can get there. But once we are there, we realise there’s a lot more to it than just being able to pay the mortgage and insurance. Maintaining your home regularly helps to avoid expensive repairsand also keeps your home in good stead to achieve the best price if you are faced with suddenly needing to sell.

Here’s a few tips to help you prioritise your maintenance efforts.

No-one wants to buy a home that has untended to leak damage. All homes as they age have wear and tear and it is important to keep on top if to avoid any major catastrophes that can affect the value of your home. Make it a priority to:

• Check window seals
• Clean gutters from leaves and debris
• Inspect your cladding condition and make any necessary repairs
• Maintain your roof by checking roof fixings and painting if applicable

If your home is old, particularly earlier than 1990 then make sure you have had a full electrical safety inspection and have upgraded wiring where possible. Potential buyers will be more likely to make an offer if they know they don’t need to be concerned about wiring. And, for your own safety and piece of mind, an electrical check is worth doing. Make sure you also check fixed appliances such as cooktops, ovens and heat pumps.

Review how energy efficient your home is. Have you got window dressings on all windows? Are there draughts that can blocked up? Is your insulation up to scratch or does it need topping up? Homes that are more energy efficient save you money on running costs but are also more appealing to potential buyers.