Summer Home Care Guide: Tips and Tricks

As the tantalizing aroma of grilled burgers wafts through the air, the gentle flutter of a breeze caresses your skin, and the merriment of children cycling pervades the neighborhood, you realize that summer has arrived. This season heralds the moment to revisit your home maintenance agenda, and CrossCountry Mortgage is here to help. Let our comprehensive summer home upkeep tips safeguard your home's value and equip it for the forthcoming sunny days.

Pressure Wash Your Outdoor Spaces Summer is an excellent season to rejuvenate your patios, driveways, and sidewalks. Initiating a pressure wash is a quick and effective method, but it's prudent to inspect for cracks and weed growth before starting. After a detailed examination, you can effortlessly rid these spaces of accumulated dirt. If you lack a pressure washer, consider renting one from a local hardware store.

Survey Your Home's Exterior With pressure washing crossed off your summer checklist, devote some time to scrutinizing your home's exterior. Look for any loose or decayed siding, chipped or faded paint, and ensure to clean both sides of your windows. Check your roof for missing shingles or mold and ascertain that your gutters and downspouts are free from debris. If outdoor activities are on your agenda, cleaning your outdoor furniture and appliances of mold, dust, and grime would be beneficial.

Revamp Old Windows and Exchange Damaged Screens Maintaining functional windows is crucial in summer to control indoor temperatures effectively. Inspect the sealant around your windows, both indoor and outdoor, and replace if needed. Pay attention to any damaged glazing on single-paned windows and lookout for light or other signs of openings beneath each door from the interior. Any detected air leaks can be sealed with exterior-grade caulking. Remember to clean your windows and screens too, and consider replacing irreparably dirty screens.

Spruce Up Your Yard Even minimal care of your yard can transform your home's appearance. Begin by removing dead debris from trees and plants and uprooting weeds. Mow your lawn if you haven't already, and check your gas mower for required maintenance. Apply mulch in flower beds to hinder weed growth and retain plant moisture. Now's the time to get your home barbecue-ready with some new landscaping.

Ward Off Pests Summer unfortunately also brings an increase in pest activity. However, a few simple pest control strategies can protect against common summer nuisances like mosquitoes, ants, and snakes. Eliminate standing water, remove snake food sources such as mice or rodents, and store firewood properly. If all else fails, consider a professional pest control service.

Inspect Your HVAC System Especially crucial for those in warmer regions, your HVAC system should be checked regularly. Replace your air filter often, ensure your fan operates correctly, the coils are clean, and there's no faulty wiring. Pet owners should note that pet hair and dander could clog filters faster. It's generally best to have a professional perform HVAC maintenance.

Refresh Your Fridge and Freezer To counter the harder work your fridge and freezer put in during summer, regular cleaning is advisable. Wipe down the interior with a cloth, warm water, and soap, and deodorize with baking soda. Replace your ice maker or water filter approximately every six months to prevent potential clogs.

Validate Your Detectors Regular checks on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are paramount for safety. Ensure they have fresh batteries and function optimally.

Regardless of the season, CrossCountry Mortgage stands ready to share knowledge and expert tips to safeguard your investment. Use our Summer Home Upkeep Guide to ease your mind and ready your home for the sunny months ahead. For additional inquiries about home maintenance or repairs, feel free to reach out to your local Mortgage Advisor or check our blog for more resources.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.