Unless properly
maintained, property can become dated and in need of repair which will lead to
lower asking prices once the home goes up for sale. To prevent this, homeowners
are encouraged to find ways to help a property maintain its value over time.
According to Adrian
Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, there are many
aspects that affect a home’s value over time – many of which are outside of a
homeowner’s control, like the demand for a suburb or the greater economic
conditions.
“However, what is within a
homeowner’s control is the overall condition of the home. By making sure that
the home is as appealing as possible to potential buyers, homeowners will
protect the resale value of their home and safeguard their investment,” said
Goslett.
The first step to
safeguarding a home’s resale value is to maintain the home over time, which can
help avoid larger repair issues down the road.
RE/MAX of Southern Africa
shares some of the common maintenance tasks that homeowners need to see to on a
regular basis:
Chips, cracks,
and holes
It can be easy to ignore a small crack on the
wall or a patch of chipped paint here and there. The problem is that these
small defects can either grow larger or accumulate over time, which can make a
home look scruffy and uncared for. It is better to touch up any of these defects
as soon as they appear rather than delaying the repairs until they become a
bigger problem.
Regular garden maintenance
The home’s exterior is so important. Not only is the first impression a buyer
will get of the home, but it is also often the first place where damage can
occur. Apart from seeing to the lawn and doing regular weed maintenance,
homeowners should be clearing out gutters and inspecting the roof to guard
against potential leaks or water damage making its way to the home’s interior.
Cleaning that goes beyond the normal routine
Every so often, it is advisable to do a deep cleaning
of the home. Get any fitted carpets professionally cleaned; do a deep clean of all
cupboards to make sure nothing has spilled or caused damage; clean all windows;
scrub the grout between the tiles, and polish any metal fittings (doorknobs,
handles, etc.) that are looking cloudy.
Lastly, Goslett mentions that it is useful to keep an eye on home décor
trends and to try and slowly update things where you can.
“Sometimes just small updates, like painting cupboard fronts in a new
colour or replacing faucets can make a big difference to how modern a home
feels,” he said.
Goslett further added that leaning on the advice of a real estate
professional can be useful in this regard.
“An agent will know what features buyers are looking for in the area and
can point out if things in your home might need updating. Real estate agents
are also able to keep you updated on the average selling prices in your suburb
and can let you know how your home is appreciating in value over time. It’s
definitely worth developing a good working relationship with an agent to stay
informed,” said Goslett.
For more real estate advice or to get in touch with your
nearest RE/MAX Office, visit www.remax.co.za.
