While many people associate this time of year with “spring cleaning”, there are a number of things you should consider doing to prepare your home for the warmer months.
Here is our list of ten steps you can take to get started:
Clear Your Gutters
Clean and unblocked gutters will allow water to be transported safely away from the foundation of your home, instead of damaging or causing leaks in eaves. With a ladder and some gloves, you can do this yourself, or alternatively hire a contractor to take care of it for you.
Assess Your Windows and Doors for Damage / Leaks
Go through your home and inspect your entryways and windows for any signs of broken seals or caulking, or other damage that might require them to be repaired or replaced. Also take time to check for mold or mildew, and clean the areas around openings to prevent any growth or buildup over time.
Check, Repair, and Wash Your Window Screens
Once you have inspected your windows thoroughly, do the same for your window screens: check for any holes or damage to the mesh that might allow pesky insects in, and wash them with soap and water to clean any dust or grime buildup before re-installing them.
Check for Potential Issues in Your Basement
While you’re decluttering your basement, have a look around for any potential issues that may have arisen over the winter season. Watch for things like water damage to walls, or cracks in concrete. Also be mindful of potential plumbing issues, like leaks or unidentified sources of moisture.
Clear Your Dryer Vent
This is a step often missed by homeowners that can lead to an unexpected fire hazard. Check for any lint blockages at the entry point and also at the exterior flapper vent if you can.
Consider Switching Up Your Decor
The perfect time for this is during spring cleaning! You are already going to be moving around furniture or other objects to clean and tidy, so take the opportunity to reconsider a room’s layout, or maybe add some new decorative items, change up your curtains or furniture, to keep things fresh for the spring.
Declutter Your Storage Spaces
Another easy step to take to prepare for spring is to clear out spaces prone to clutter, like your attic, closets, and basement. Clear out old junk, consider having a spring garage sale, and make room for anything new you may need to store down the road.
Clean and Repair Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures
If they haven’t been stored away, check that your outdoor furniture is clean and undamaged, to make sure you can enjoy your time outdoors safely and comfortably.
Also, inspect any decks, verandas, fences, or other outdoor fixtures for any damage, and, if you have not done this in a while, consider applying weather sealant paint or stain to any wooden fixtures.
Tend to Your Plants / Garden
Depending on how much of a green thumb you have, this may be as simple as ensuring any plants on your property are not damaged after the winter. Or, you might consider getting supplies like soil, seeds, and fertilizer, and get your garden ready for flowers and vegetables.
Replace Batteries in Your Detectors
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home to ensure they have charged batteries and are otherwise functioning correctly. It’s a small step for significant peace of mind.
Contact the Vetere Team today!
The Vetere Team has proudly provided award-winning, professional real estate services for a combined 25 years, and we look forward to hearing from you and assisting with any real estate needs you may have.
MARKET STATS
Supply Surge Meets Optimism
In Toronto, March 2024’s real estate market saw a minor dip in home sales year-over-year due to the Good Friday holiday timing, with a noticeable increase in average home prices due to a more abundant supply. The Greater Toronto Area experienced a 4.5% decrease in sales but a 15% rise in new listings, closing the quarter with an 11.2% increase in sales and an 18.3% boost in new listings compared to the previous year.
Market conditions are showing signs of improvement, with buyers adapting to higher interest rates and a notable optimism among sellers for the spring market, reflected in the increase in new listings. The slight 0.3% rise in the MLS® Home Price Index Composite benchmark and a 1.3% increase in the average selling price to $1,121,615 suggest a stabilizing market.
The outlook for Toronto’s real estate market is positive, with anticipated lower borrowing costs expected to lead to tighter market conditions and higher selling prices. The focus on innovative housing solutions and increasing the housing supply highlights a commitment to improving affordability and catering to the market’s diverse needs, setting a solid foundation for future growth.
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