The curb appeal of your Wilmington, DE home is more important now than ever before. With housing inventory low and buyer demand high, you want to be sure your home is one piece of Delaware real estate that stands out in the crowd. By getting your home up to par this summer, you can be certain homebuyers in the market to purchase a home will take note of yours before they even step inside the door. Remember, first impressions are key!

Green Home, Smaller Bills

This summer, give your home an energy audit. Walk around with a notepad and notice any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, switch-plate covers, and the like. According to MSN Real Estate, experts say you can save up to 20% on your home heating and cooling bills by simply plugging leaks. You can even receive a rebate for home-energy audits performed by recommended auditors.

Insulate Pipes Now

It may seem like an odd time to talk about insulation, but ensuring your hot water pipes are insulated correctly now can save you on energy costs this coming winter. This can be done by purchasing flexible foam pipe insulation sleeves from a hardware store. Taking precautions now can save you money in the long run when you know your Wilmington home is utilizing energy and resources properly.

Clean Your Patio

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the weather— that means your patio too. Remove your outdoor furniture cushions, cleaning them thoroughly, and spray down the frames with a soapy, bleach solution. A recipe to follow uses:

1/3 cup laundry soap powder

2/3 cup trisodium phosphate or TSP

A quart of bleach

Three quarts of warm water

Allow the furniture to dry and return the cushion covers while they are still damp to prevent shrinking.

Clean Your Deck and Concrete

Power washers are just the tool to clean concrete patios, driveways, and outdoor spaces in the summer. While your washing the concrete, keep an eye on the water direction to be sure it moves the water away from your Wilmington area home's foundation. If it does not, inspect the area, looking for cracks and flaws in the foundation. Next check the inside for water stains or wetness. If hiring an inspector to find a solution to the structural problem is not in the cards, installing a sump pump can often fix the water problem in these spaces.

Take Care of Your Deck and Planters

Outdoor plants add instant curb appeal to Delaware homes for sale and are sure to grab a homebuyer's attention. Just be sure that your planters and pots have feet placed underneath of them as standing water can cause your deck's wood to rot. Pot stands and even colorful bricks will also do the trick. 

Patch Cracks and Make Amends

One final way to add curb appeal to your property is to patch all cracks in the asphalt and concrete outside, as well as removing problem trees or pruning them for a polished look. Now is also the time to give shutters, doors, and fences a new coat of paint if their's has chipped or faded over the winter. Fix faulty locks or panels on your outdoor fence, especially if you have a garden or landscaped area, to keep out unwanted visitors and animals. 

The Final Step

Are you ready to put your home up for sale and invest in your next piece of Wilmington, DE real estate? Let me help you decide which type of property best fits your needs for homeownership. Together we will work to find the best home for both you and your family. You can also learn more about the buying process at our FREE first-time home buyer seminars! 

As always, feel welcome to contact me for more information about homes for sale in Wilmington and Newark. I am here to help you with your home ownership goals!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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