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Posted in: Homeowner tips, Selling a home

April homeowner checklist: Open your house up for spring

April homeowner checklist

Key insights

  • Whether you’re hoping to sell this spring or staying in place, this April homeowner checklist will help you get ready for the coming sunny months.
  • Once the snow melts, consider hiring someone to check your air conditioning unit and your gutters, eaves and roof for any winter damage.
  • Spruce up the exterior of your home by power washing your siding, fixing up your driveway cracks and freshening up your landscaping with our DIY tips.

After this year’s bitterly cold winter, the sun is beginning to peek out! Follow these April homeowner tips to ensure your home is ready for the warmer spring and summer months.

April homeowner's checklist

Check your systems and energy usage

Before that first 90 degree day hits, check in on your air conditioning unit. If you’d like to avoid hiring a professional for this task, be sure to follow these five steps, courtesy of Bob Vila:

  • Change the filter on your air conditioning unit
  • Check for any leaks in the hose connections
  • Ensure drain pans are draining freely
  • Vacuum dust that has settled on the unit and around its base
  • Be sure to change the filter every month in the spring and summer months

Keep in mind that high energy bills can sneak up on you during these warmer months; consider these tips to decrease your energy usage in creative, but non-intrusive ways.

Clean up your gutters, eaves and roof

Next, check your gutters for any debris that may have accumulated over the winter. To accomplish this, either set aside time during the weekend or hire a professional to do the job. Pricing can depend on the size of your house, so get an estimate first to secure a price you’re comfortable with.

Spring is also a great time to have your roof inspected and repaired if winter snowstorms damaged any shingles or seals.

Give your home’s exterior a facelift

While spring cleaning the inside of your house is likely on your list, you should also consider pressure washing the outside of your home to get rid of dirt and other stains. You can hire professionals to do the job or save money by renting a pressure washer and making it a do-it-yourself project.

Last, these mild-weathered months are an optimal time to repair cracks or holes in your driveway or sidewalks. Concrete repair kits can be relatively inexpensive, but you may need help from a professional if you are working with asphalt.

Freshen up your landscaping

Your yellowed grass may be bringing you down, but in just a few short weeks, you can bring it back to life again! Follow these easy tips to save your lawn from the effects of our harsh midwestern winters

  • After ground is fully dry, rake the lawn to aerate the soil
  • Spread lawn seed in patchy areas
  • Sprinkle water on the seeds weekly until they sprout
  • Aerate the surface three times once new grass appears

Once your lawn is in tip-top shape, you can spruce up your landscaping with these DIY insights for beginner gardeners.

Considering selling?

If you hope to sell this spring, this April homeowner checklist will help set you up for success as you build curb appeal that will draw in buyers.

For specialized advice on how to update your home or price it to sell quickly in this low inventory market, reach out today to be matched with a local real estate expert who serves your neighborhood. Concerned about finding your next home after selling? Our experts can recommend alternatives and short-term solutions should you find yourself in between properties.

For more tips on how to sell your home, follow #SellerInsights on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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Status Definitions

For sale: Properties which are available for showings and purchase

Active contingent: Properties which are available for showing but are under contract with another buyer

Pending: Properties which are under contract with a buyer and are no longer available for showings

Sold: Properties on which the sale has closed.

Coming soon: Properties which will be on the market soon and are not available for showings.

Contingent and Pending statuses may not be available for all listings