Preparing Your Boise Home for Fall: Key Maintenance Tips for Sellers

As fall arrives, so do the seasonal maintenance tasks that ensure your Boise home is market-ready. Buyers are drawn to properties that appear well-maintained and move-in ready, and first impressions can be make or break. Check out Lysi Bishop Real Estate’s list of essential maintenance tasks that ensure your home is in prime condition, whether you're preparing for a sale or simply protecting its value for the future.   Photo courtesy of Unsplash Gutter Cleaning Gutter cleaning is a simple task that can save you from big problems down the road. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and even roof deterioration. When leaves, twigs, and other debris build-up throughout the fall, they prevent water from draining properly, potentially causing costly damage to your home’s structure. Most experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year — typically once in the spring and once in the fall. Keeping your gutters clean protects your property and signals to potential buyers that your home is well cared for. Tips for Safe Gutter Cleaning: Use a sturdy ladder and have someone spot you. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris. Use a scoop or trowel to remove debris, and flush the gutters with a hose to clear any remaining dirt. Check for leaks or damage.   Photo courtesy of Lysi Bishop Real Estate Landscaping Landscaping is often the first thing buyers notice, and it sets the tone for the rest of the home. A neat, well-maintained yard can make a strong positive impression, while an overgrown lawn or dead plants might cause a buyer to wonder what else has been neglected. Consider adding plants that grow year-round or decorative stone paths or other hardscaping features to increase curb appeal during this season.  Key Landscaping Tasks: Regularly raking leaves creates a well-kept lawn. To protect your foliage for next spring, cut back perennials that benefit from trimming. Remove weeds and dead plants to keep your garden looking tidy.   Photo courtesy of Unsplash HVAC Checks Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. A well-maintained HVAC system not only ensures a comfortable living environment but also reassures potential buyers that they won’t be facing expensive repairs or replacements after moving in. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Change your filters about every 3 months to keep airflow clean and efficient Schedule an annual HVAC inspection with a professional technician to check for issues. Regularly clean and vacuum the vents to improve air quality and circulation.   Photo courtesy of Unsplash Blowout Sprinklers A blowout sprinkler service is essential for protecting your irrigation system from damage during colder months. Typically performed before the season's first freeze, this simple maintenance step ensures your sprinklers are ready to function when spring arrives. In colder climates such as Boise, a professional blowout service is something homebuyers will expect to extend the lifespan of the irrigation system and save money on potential repairs.   Photo courtesy of Lysi Bishop Real Estate Inspect the Roof Regular roof inspections are an important part of home maintenance and ensure your home stays protected from leaks, weather damage, and costly repairs. Check for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, and signs of wear, as well as sagging areas, debris buildup, or water stains on the ceiling. Catching roof issues early can prevent more extensive problems like water damage, mold, and structural deterioration. A well-maintained roof protects your home and enhances its curb appeal and market value, making it a key selling point for potential buyers.      

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Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall is around the corner and it's time to get your home in order for cooler weather. We've compiled a convenient list (and a printable version below) so you can start chipping away while the mild weather lasts.  It's important to keep an eye on and maintain these items in and around your home to extend its longevity and prevent costly repairs and potential loss (like ice dams on roofs). These items are not exclusive to home owners. Renters will benefit in keeping their utility bills lower during winter and avoid liability for any damages to the property under their lease. Check with your property manager and/or landlord on the renter's responsibilities of property maintenance.   EXTERIOR: Clear out gutters Inspect driveways & patios for cracks Caulk around windows and doors Install storm windows and doors Close attic and foundation vents Store or cover lawn furniture Winterize pools/water features Touch up paint   INTERIOR: Chimney sweep Change ceiling fan direction to clockwise Test smoke detectors Clean dryer vents Inspect and replace weather stripping around doors if needed   LANDSCAPE: Sprinkler blowout  Turn off landscape water Insulate spigots & store hoses Rake and bag leaves on lawn Aerate and fertilize lawn Plant hardy landscape (i.e. trees, spring flowering bulbs) Remove dirt from planted pots   Need referrals to local contractors to help with sprinkler blowouts, chimney sweeps, and more? Reach out to us for access to our preferred list.

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The Top 3 Things to Do After You Purchase a Home

Photo credit to Unsplash. Congratulations! You have just purchased a new home, and the excitement of moving into your new living space is unmatched. As you begin to settle into your home, there are a few crucial tasks to prioritize to make your move seamless. Here are the top three things you should do immediately after you purchase a home. Change the locks Photo credit to Unsplash. The very first thing you should do after getting the keys to your new home is to change the locks. You don’t know who might have a copy of the existing keys— from previous owners and real estate agents to contractors. Changing the locks helps make your home more secure by ensuring you are the only one with access to it. Hiring a professional locksmith can make this process quick and easy.    File a Homeowner's Exemption (if you are occupying the home) If you are occupying your new home as your primary residence, filing for a Homeowner's Exemption can save you a significant amount of money on property taxes. This exemption reduces the taxable value of your home, thereby lowering your annual property tax bill. To file a homeowner’s exemption in Ada County, you can fill out an online application form here, which will ask you to provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill or driver's license with your new address.   Notify the USPS of a change of address Photo credit to Unsplash. To make sure your mail reaches your new home, you must notify the USPS of a change of address as soon as possible. You can do this easily online through the USPS website or by visiting your local post office. In addition to the USPS, make sure to update your address with banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscriptions or services you use. This small step will help prevent interruptions in your mail delivery and make sure important documents and bills reach you without delay.

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