Sprague & Curtis Real Estate Blog
RSS Feed
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 8 Posts
- 2025 | 48 Posts
- 2024 | 48 Posts
- 2023 | 48 Posts
- 2022 | 48 Posts
- 2021 | 48 Posts
- 2020 | 51 Posts
- 2019 | 48 Posts
- 2018 | 29 Posts
Augusta, ME | 137 Posts
Buy a Home | 32 Posts
Gardiner, ME | 2 Posts
Hallowell, ME | 6 Posts
Home Safety | 1 Posts
Homeownership | 86 Posts
Kennebec Valley | 80 Posts
Lifestyle | 3 Posts
Manchester, ME | 1 Posts
Sell Your Home | 28 Posts
March
25
25
Spring Into a Sale: Home Maintenance Guide
The arrival of spring brings the first robin, the first tulip and the first wave of viewers touring Augusta homes for sale. Stand in front of your home and take a good look. Does it look enticing enough to draw potential buyers inside?
Boost your home's value and curb appeal by completing this checklist of spring maintenance tasks.
- Inspect the Roof
As your home's first line of defense against weather, the roof takes quite a beating during winter months. If you'd rather not climb a ladder, use a pair of binoculars to scan the roof for damaged or missing shingles, as well as signs of leaks. - Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Work your way down to gutters and downspouts, which also bear the brunt of snow, rain, and wind. Remove debris from gutters and reattach any sections that have pulled away from the house. Ensure that downspouts point away from the foundation for proper drainage. - Wash Siding and Trim
A pressure washer is the most convenient and efficient way to wash your home's exterior. If you don't have access to one, a long-handled brush and garden hose will work. Once the grime has been removed, is the exterior still looking a little shabby? It's probably time for a fresh coat of paint. - Check the Foundation
Problems with the foundation can quickly escalate to serious and costly structural damage, so it's vital to catch them early. Walk the perimeter of your home and sight down each side looking for bulges or unevenness. Minor hairline cracks aren't usually an issue but watch for cracks wider than 1/8" or "stairstep" cracks in brick or cinder block foundations. - Inspect Sidewalks and Driveways
Cracks are also a factor in sidewalk and driveway maintenance. In addition to being unsightly, cracks in these areas can be safety hazards. DIY repair is fine for minor cracks, but extensive damage calls for replacement. Consider adding some visual appeal with pavers, stained concrete, or other designer surfaces. - Check Doors and Windows
Just as gaps in doors and windows let cold air enter in the winter, they allow cool air to escape in summer. Make sure doors and windows open and close properly and repair caulking where gaps are wider than a nickel. Patch holes in screens if possible, or replace if necessary. - Spruce Up the Deck
Backyard decks are a great selling point in the spring and summer, so get yours in ship-shape condition. Repair any cracked or rotten wood and make sure no nails are protruding. A good cleaning may be all that's needed to restore a polished look, but if the color is faded and drab, apply stain before sealing. - Tend to Lawns and Gardens
Spring yard work serves a dual purpose. In addition to improving curb appeal, it's a good way to stretch muscles and shake off the rust of a winter spent indoors. Mow and fertilize the lawn, trim overgrown trees and shrubs and plant some colorful flowers.
Are you looking for other tips to optimize your home sale? Our real estate agents will help you maximize value and minimize time on the market. Contact us at Sprague and Curtis Real Estate for more information.