Most frequently hired Realtor® in Canyon Creek - YOUR TRUSTED RESOURCE.

I’ve found over the years it’s not just first time home buyers that don’t understand the maintenance required on their new home. It’s why an agent’s job isn’t done after sitting at the closing table and your buyers are handed the keys to their new home!

I created an extensive list of trusted vendors to provide my buyers. After the pandemic I took time to review and revise to make sure my list is accurate and up to date.

There are 6 common areas where questions arise and buyers need to be counseled and made aware of their responsibility in their investment:

1. Hire a Pest control company

We live on a bed of termites in Austin and there is a distinct possibility these pesky critters could find their way to your home. Carpenter ants, scorpions (yes they can find their way too) and others. The best course of action is to hire a good Pest control company who comes quarterly to check and service your home.

2. Find a reputable Tree Trimming company

Many don’t realize why your trees need to be trimmed other than cosmetic reasons. If you let the limbs grow too close or rest on your roof they can rub the granules off your composition roof and cause roof damage. Termites, squirrels, carpenter ants and other rodents can find a haven on your roof and cause damage. Don’t make it easy for them to cause destruction! Keep branches trimmed 3 ½ feet away from your roof.

3. Service your HVAC

We have extreme heat in the summer which stresses our HVAC systems. We also can have vastly fluctuating temperatures. It’s good to hire a reputable HVAC company to check and service your systems in the spring and fall. It’s a very reasonably priced contract to sign to ensure your HVAC is running smoothly. Your system will thank you and last longer with care.

4. Cover your exterior spigots

In Austin it’s wise to drain all your exterior hoses and cover your exterior faucets. What you don’t want is an unexpected storm to hit (like we had in 2020) and have your pipes burst!

5. Clean your gutters

It’s wise to clean your gutters in the fall and in the spring (especially after the live oak leaves and tassels have fallen). Many homeowners like to invest in leaf guards which help keep the leaves out of the gutters.

6. Check your roof and chimney yearly

We can have periodic storms and it’s always good to have your roof checked yearly to see if you’ve had any hail or wind damage. If there is damage you can make a claim with your insurance company. Most insurance companies now say if you don’t make a claim within the year of the storm they won’t cover it. Make sure your chimney is clean, operational and free of rodents or wood rot on the exterior.

I’m a full service agent so can help you understand what home maintenance items you need to put on your calendar to address. Connecting you with specialists to ensure your home is being well cared for, is important.