A Mini-Guide to Property Maintenance for the Modern Realtor

As a real estate agent, property maintenance is obviously not one of the core services that you offer. However, it is something that you should not completely ignore. Knowing the fundamentals of property maintenance can be useful in many situations, such as:

• Elucidating the seller about the importance of a well-maintained property when it comes down to property value

• Helping the buyer in solving any initial maintenance related issues

• Comforting the buyer when deciding on a property that is genuinely good but just needs a bit of routine maintenance

• Diversifying your personal portfolio into property maintenance services

So, to attend your clients competently and broaden your own horizons, here are some actionable tips on property maintenance that you should always keep in mind:

Regularly Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Carbon monoxide or a smoke detector that does not go off in case of a crisis could lead to serious injury and damage. Besides, the owner could also be held answerable in a court of law. Thus, make your clients aware of the importance of keeping these devices functional. Make them understand those undesirable problems can be dodged by checking the wiring, replacing the batteries from time-to-time, and investing in modern devices.

Keep a Check on Plumbing

Plumbing maintenance encompasses more than just investigating if the pipes have leaks or are enduring corrosion. It also comprises the maintenance of many major appliances employed on a daily basis, which can undergo significant stress over a window of just one year. For example, the water heater is a part of routine plumbing maintenance, and water heaters must have annual inspections and tune-ups to ascertain they work correctly and efficiently.

Plumbing repairs can be expensive and cause a sizable inconvenience. If your client is a buyer, aid them in probing for all the plumbing issues, not just leaky pipes. Likewise, if your client is a property seller, make them conscious that plumbing maintenance is a serious matter not to be neglected if they want to boost their property’s value.

Double Check for Electrical Issues

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical issues, including heating, appliance, and equipment failures, are one of the top causes of fires in non-residential buildings, accounting for approximately 19% of all recorded fires in 2016.

An annual inspection conducted by a professional electrician can assure that the wiring, circuit breakers, and appliances are all in good functioning condition. The significance of such an inspection goes without saying, but a simple walkthrough and test can prevent disaster down the line. You surely do not want your buyer to purchase a hazardous property, neither your seller to get into legal trouble.

Ensure Paintwork and Polishing Upkeep

Your clients probably aren’t aware of how huge an impact paintwork can have on the value of their property. Keeping the interior as well as the exterior of the property in the best condition requires frequent coats of paint and polish.

Not only does it help to extend the life of the property, but it also enhances its marketability and curb appeal. Describing these simple details to your client can help them get the maximum value out of their property and in turn, increase your credibility as an agent.

Don’t Forget the HVAC System

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, usually referred to as the HVAC system, plays a vital role in sustaining a property’s value. If not looked after well, the HVAC system can cost a pretty penny.

Conversely, a well-maintained HVAC system can ultimately lower utility bills, avert safety concerns, improve work productivity, facilitate a healthier indoor air quality (IAQ), decrease chances of a major break down, and extend the lifespan of the system itself. The result of all this―an increased property value. Thus, in order to genuinely help your clients and win their trust, shedding some light upon the importance of maintaining the HVAC system is something you should definitely consider.

Conclusion

The aforementioned points are all centered on preventive maintenance, as investing time, effort, and money in maintaining a property is a lot more cost-effective than just waiting for something to go wrong (which it will, eventually), and then work on minimizing the damage.

Being in the real estate industry, it’s certainly in your best interest to keep all real estate in the best condition possible and help your clients get the most out of their dealings. Simply put: as with most things in life, it is better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to property maintenance.

Author Bio & Headshot

David is the Interior Architect of Mr. Wright. He has amassed more than 20 years of experience in the service repair and renovation business. Throughout his career, he has helped both commercial and residential clients build their offices and dream homes within their budget. His innovative and can-do attitude earned him many repeat customers. Through his articles, he hopes to share information nuggets to help businesses and consumers save time and money.