Going Away on a Trip? Keep Tabs On Your Home Before a Major Mishap Happens!

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There are a few cardinal rules about changing over from one season to the next or things that need to be done before going away for a short to medium extended period of time. Trust me, we’ve seen a number of instances where homeowners that didn’t take the time to take care of some of the routine stuff ended up having to deal with a LOT more damage than necessary.

Take the example of our client’s home as pictured in this video. She lives in Boston and since the home is currently under contract I decided to pay the home a visit. It turns out there was a pinhole leak in one of her two water heaters and it was a real challenge trying to find the source. When I got there the basement was covered in water and eventually I learned where the leak was coming from.

But it got me thinking. There is a lot that can go wrong if we’re not just a little more careful before skipping town – or if we live away from our rental or vacation properties. Here’s a very quick list of just some of the things you (or someone you can trust, like your Realtor®) can do to make sure nothing major happens while you’re away:

*Turn off exterior water sources – especially during the colder months of the year.
*Check all major appliances for leaks, open valves, exposed wiring or any other potential hazards.
*Maintain your thermostat at a reasonably warm or cool level depending on the season. In the summer months, don’t let it get too warm and the opposite holds true in the winter.
*Address any obvious cracks or crevices that could become a problem in the winter when snow and ice build up on the exterior of the home.
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As always, I’m always available to answer any of your real estate related questions and am happy to help with your buying, selling or investing needs. I look forward to hearing from you today!