Spring Cleaning – Get Your House In Order!

Spring Season is rapidly approaching (Tuesday, March 20th), and we can all appreciate the season where things bloom, and the life cycle is renewed. Along with these changes, who’s to say that before the spring season comes you can’t do a little prep work for the spring? Things like starting in on your spring cleaning early, or making those changes you’ve always wanted to your home, inside and out! So, get started!

Start on your exterior: This is my favorite thing to do in February. The outside of your home has taken more wear and tear from the harsh winter than the interior, so it’s a good idea to start there.. Walk around your home and examine the caulking around the windows and doors; also open all the windows and doors and inspect the weather stripping. Replace old or cracking caulk and replace worn out weather stripping. Inspect the roof for broken or missing shingles, or tiles, and clean out gutters and downspouts at the same time.

Landscaping tips: Notice how the lawn looks like its starting to grow again. Ugghhhh. While it may not be time for you to start planting flowers and mowing your lawn, it isn’t too early to ensure you will have your green hoses ready, as well as the walkways and adjacent areas to your landscaping. Replace cracked or old garden hoses. Rake away the leaves, any tree limbs and debris from sidewalks, plant beds and surrounding areas. If you don’t have snow in your area, now is a good time to start planning out your spring landscaping ideas and lawn care maintenance. Pressure wash concrete and paved areas that have become dirty, and power wash vinyl siding, brick walls and vertical surfaces on your home if need be.

Check your air systems: The fall and spring are the two most important times to review your home’s major HVAC – heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems. Right before the harsh climatic changes are going to occur, ensure air filters have been replaced or cleaned, and stock up on new air filters if you use disposable ones. Check your air conditioner before the summer to ensure it is in good working order. If you need to have a service person look at it, do it now, because it will be a lot less expensive now than in three months.

Interior spring cleaning: By now your windows – inside and out – could use a good cleaning. You will be surprised how much better you can see out of your windows once they are cleaned. Clean off ceiling fans, and clean out fireplaces from use over the winter. Test your emergency systems in your home: home alarms, smoke/fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are all working properly. Most home owners forget to test these regularly; fall and spring maintenance time is a perfect opportunity to ensure they’re in good working order.

Preparing your home for the spring is rewarding right now, and three months from now! Your home goes through changes as it ages, and climatic conditions change. Spring maintenance is a good idea for everyone, and even more important if you’re considering putting your home on the market soon. Home buyers want to ensure that all systems have been well attended and taken care of before buying a home. If you’re concerned you will miss something, hire a professional home inspector – they will cover the entire home from top to bottom. What are you waiting for? Get started, the warm weather is on its way!

Today is the perfect time to get ready for a new beginning in Springtime. Talk to Steve Gilbert with Seattle Mortgage Brokers today to get started on a new home loan or refinance your existing loan. We’re always here for you, ready to help at the drop of a hat. Have a great day, and here is to new beginnings!

*This article does not represent legal interpretation or advice. This is not a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet LTV requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines, and are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over life of loan. Reduction in payments may reflect longer loan term. Terms of the loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant. NMLS: LO# 305371 MB# 761615