by Jo-Anne LaBuda

I was driving through a neighborhood the other day, looking at people's holiday decorations.  It's always fun to see what homeowners spend their Thanksgiving holiday doing ... getting ready for the next holiday.  Stringing lights outside on the house and bushes, putting up reindeer, Santas, ribbons, wreaths, ornaments, stars, icicles and all kinds of wonderful sparkly things.

As I was driving around, I noticed, though, how many homes could use a little permanent "sparkling" that would add to their and their neighbor's long-term appreciation monetarily.  Most of the items are not only inexpensive but also will bring value to homeowners and the neighborhood.

Some homes could use an update in exterior paint, including using a newer lighter shade rather than some of the colors that were more popular in the 70's and 80's.  Taupes, beiges, creams are the colors that come to mind.  Some siding, especially wood, might need some woodpecker holes filled in and painted, wood replaced as needed which may have rotted or faded with the weather.  Vinyl and aluminum siding might need a good power-washing.  Decks sealed and painted.  Bushes and landscaping trimmed and shaped.  Beds and yards cleaned of debris, leaves, twigs, etc.   Trimming low-hanging branches can give a better appearance from the street.  Branches that hang over the roof should be trimmed to impede carpenter ants from entering your home.

Many times window seals break.  This causes a fogginess between the double panes.  These can be replaced fairly inexpensively.  (Call or email me if you'd like the names of window contractors.)  You can save a little money by waiting for nice weather and bringing the window in yourself rather than having the contractor come to your home.  Usually the contractor can replace the glass in the window the same day.

My next blog will contain a list of the most common items identified at home inspections.  Most of the time, owners don't realize that these items need attention, but they are things that should be addressed even if you are not selling your home.

Another blog will contain a list of seasonal maintenance that, if done every year, will end up saving homeowners money later on.