March 19th, 2019

Spring is around the corner and the snow is finally starting to melt!  Now that you’ll be able to see your home again, it’s a good time to inspect everything that has been covered in snow.  We’ve put together a check list of maintenance items that are important to check after Winter.

Inspect Your Roof

Once the snow clears and it’s safe to get up there, hire a professional or climb up yourself to inspect for any damage. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against water damage inside.  Fixing damaged spots quickly is important to prevent and water leaks and damage on the inside.

Clean Your Gutters.

Gutters direct rain and water away from your roof and home, protecting both in the process.  Make sure gutters are clear of debris and still in good condition after Winter to help prevent water from damaging your home or roof.

Clean or Replace HVAC Filters

This should be done more than once a year.   A dirty filter forces your heat, ventilation and air-conditioning system to work harder, which can cost you more money.

Clean Decks, Driveways, Fences and Other Outside Surfaces

A pressure washer is the perfect tool to get this job done.  If you don’t have one, borrow one from a neighbor or consider renting one. While you’re cleaning, inspect for any damage.

Fix Cracks in Your Walks, Driveway and the Outside of Your Home

After cleaning, inspect all the concrete and check for any cracks or needed repairs.  Fortunately, most of these repairs are fairly easy if taken care of early on.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

Sometimes lint can get through the lint trap and move into the dryer vent.  Not only can a clogged dryer vent cost you more money by causing your dryer to run longer, it can also be a fire hazard.

Check Seals Around Windows and Doors

Harsh Winter weather can crack and harden caulk and other weather seals around your windows and doors. Now is a good time inspect them and repair or replace if needed. It could help reduce your air-conditioning bill and prevent water from entering your home and causing damage.

Repair any Cracked or Peeling Paint

A well-painted home increases curb appeal while providing a protective barrier from the elements. Touch-up painting is easy to do and inexpensive.

Check the Washing Machine Fill Hose

A leaky hose under pressure can cause major damage in a short period of time, so you want to look for cracks that could become leaks.

Clean and Repair Your Screens

Soon, the weather in Bozeman will be amazing and you’ll want the windows open to let in that cool breeze.  Give your window screens a gentle scrub on a flat surface with soapy water. Also, check for any small holes that need to be patched.

Vacuum your Refrigerator Coils

The coils you’ll find on the bottom or back of your fridge conduct the hot air from inside the unit. If they’re coated with dust, they do the job less efficiently and cause your refrigerator to work harder; that means a higher electric bill for you. Use a vacuum cleaner hose or a brush on the coils.

Replace the Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors

Go ahead and replace all the batteries in your detectors, better to be safe than sorry!

Clear Vegetation Around Your AC Compressor

To work efficiently, the compressor needs good airflow. To ensure it has breathing room, prune any plant growth that could block it.

Drain Your Water Heater

Sediment builds up in your water heater tank. Use the spigot near the bottom of the heater to drain it. By doing so, you’ll prolong its life and reduce your electric bill.

Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Summer

Change the engine oil and sharpen the cutting blade; you’ll lengthen the life of the mower and improve the look of your lawn.

source: usnews

What our clients are saying:

My wife and I used Jody Savage for the sale of our home in Gallatin Gateway, MT. Jody was exceptional in all phases of our sale. We had multiple offers over asking price and sold our home in two days! Jody uses up to date modern marketing, was extremely professional and knowledgeable regarding our market and addressing our needs. She was great to work with and very responsive to any questions we had. Jody is the best in the business and we highly recommend her services!

G.B.

Jody Savage is knowledgeable, trustworthy and tireless. I purchased a property this spring (2017) near Bozeman; Jody represented me as well as the seller in the transaction. Jody led me through the entire process because this was the first property I had ever purchased. HOA complications and other details made the purchase more difficult. Jody undertook a boat-load of legwork to make the transaction go smoothly. I hope to work with Jody again.

J.D.

Jody is FANTASTIC!! We were first time home buyers and she was with us ever step of the way! She never made us feel silly for being new to the process. She definitely knows the area, always kept us up to date on new listings and was just a delight to work with. I would have absolutely zero hesitation recommending her to anyone. Thanks for all the hard-work Jody! We love our house!

K.G.

Jody was awesome to work with. We were new to the area and she was helpful and knowledgeable about not only the housing market, but schools, and lenders. She worked with my work schedule for showings. Jody also stayed late to write an offer to meet our schedule. I would recommend Jody to anyone needing a realtor.

M.L.

Jody is amazing. She knows the market and was able to advise us on all our many concerns. We so appreciated how responsive she was; within minutes of submitting an online request for realtor contact on a house, she had called us. All our communications with her were like that; we never had to wait long to hear back from her. She was patient and always willing to sit down and meet with us. When we found the house we wanted, she worked tirelessly to secure it for us, and she was extremely patient with us. She was easy to communicate with, understand, and a pleasure to work with – I highly recommend Jody!

J.T.