Now that summer is here, its time to take care of some things that need getting done on the outside. Guys, surprise your wives by doing some of these things before they ask.  Just a suggestion, to keep everyone smiling.

Flashing, which is typically a thin metal strip found around doors, windows, thresholds, chimneys, and roofs, is designed to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two different building surfaces meet.

Vents: All vents, including clothes dryer, gable vents, attic vents, and exhaust vents, should have hoods, and  be in good working order.

Exterior Siding:

Replace any wood siding and sheathing that appears to have water damage.

Inspect any wood sided walls to ensure there is at least 8″ between any wood and the earth.

Exterior Walls:

Exterior walls should be kept well painted and sealed.

Don’t place compost or leaf piles against the outside walls.

Landscape features should not include soil or other bedding material mounded up against walls.

Landscaping:

Keep trees trimmed so that branches are at least 7 feet away from any exterior house surface. This will help prolong the life of your siding and roof and prevent insects from entering your home from the tree.

Vines should be kept off all exterior walls, because they can help open cracks in the siding, which allows moisture or insects to enter the house.

Irrigation: Inspect the sprinkler system,

To prolong roof life, have a professional roof inspection annually. Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering,  and drainage system.

Well much to his disappointment the home sat on the market for 6 months; He gave two realtors a shot at selling it. He wants what he put into it (90,000  plus he has a loan on that property, so he is not going to net much. He must have his bottom line.

What do you make of all this? On the one hand you would think that move-in ready property should sell fast, in a good neighborhood like the one in this example. On the other hand, the increased cost of the upgrades may have  detrimental effect on selling the home.

Now in a completely different type of market, (sellers market) these upgrades may justify a higher price and even bring in multiple offers; but in a buyers market, they might go wasted. Too bad, the house in my example is a real one, and beautifully staged as well; it sat there and no one wanted it……………for that price.

Then there is always being in the right place at the right time. Maybe it wasn’t the right time for this house to sell. It was out of place in the down market with
REOs and short sales to compete with………..

Pride reductions! What about them says the seller? Another price change? Why now? says the seller. It’s a great house. It will sell.
Then finally the offers start coming in …..slowly at first, then more…………but   they are ‘not high enough’ for the seller. He wants more. He cannot make his bottom line after expenses of the sale…………….he threatens to rent the place……………
The home is a corner lot and has side access. In sellers opinion it’s the best one on the block and people should see the value in it. Still, the offers are ‘just too low’ what’s the matter with the buyers out there, don’t’ they see this is a beautiful home to raise a family? And in a great neighborhood with good schools too. What’s not to like!

In the end who is the winner? What about time spent and time lost? It’ time to walk away…………..for now.