As a Real Estate Agent, I see A LOT of homes and it's amazing how many have dust packed intake vents. Now it's one thing to not get around to getting up on the ladder to clean the metal grate, and yet another if you have pets and dust mites galore being circulated throughout your home, hindering the optimization of your heating and air conditioning units and potentially shortening their lifespan. This rings especially true because in the Oregon City and Molalla area, we had major wildfires last year so homes in this geography had a lot of soot particles to deal with. Better they be stuck in your air filter than in your lungs, right? Well, in order for your home to do it's job, you need to do a little upkeep. Today we are having ours cleaned.
This photo on the left is the work in progress... our main intake is in the ceiling - and at first glance, it doesn't look that dirty at all. But WOAH! Shine the light up inside it and you'll see what six years of air circulation in our home looks like. This home was built brand new in 2015, we have no pets and we are non-smokers. Fascinating how much dirt is in there, right?
When buying a home, I think it's always important to pay attention to the details like how dusty vents look or if there may be black around an electrical outlet hinting at an electrical short... I look for signs that the homeowner might have neglected routine home maintenance... and cleaning your vents is one of those things...it's home maintenance. If you are looking for a realtor that will make your future home more energy efficient, we can discuss that! (Ask me about "the blower door test!") Choosing a home that has previously been loved and cared for can make a big difference in the amount of elbow grease YOU need to put in as soon as you move in. (Moving is stressful enough, let's not add to the workload!)
Likewise when I am talking to people about listing their home, one thing I will always inquire about is a list of updates and maintenance. When is the last time you had your furnace and AC serviced? When did you put in that new kitchen sink? Was it done by a licensed professional? Creating a list like this from the beginning is helpful, adding to it as the years go by so it's a no-brainer when it comes time to list your home. But don't worry if you haven't started it! We can create it together.
If you are googling How to find a realtor to sell your house ?? You've come to the right place! We can talk about the maintenance you've done (or haven't done!) and together, we can create a list of things to do before your home goes on the market. I include home styling services with every listing at no additional charge to make sure your home shows it's best so you get the most out of your investment.
Even if you are relocating to Portland Oregon from another state, I can help! I have worked with many clients using technology to our advantage... (daughter moving to town for law school, parents across the country wanting to see the homes with her or home owner that lives out of state deciding to sell their rentals here, etc) I have apps that I use bringing you right in on the action in real time.
If you are considering buying or selling in Oregon City, SE Portland, West Linn or beyond, don't hesitate to call, text or email me. We can create a timeline and get the ball rolling!
Kristina Browning is a five star rated real estate agent. If you are searching for reviews on real estate agents, reference my google reviews here.
Kristina Browning, Realtor & Home Stylist 503-505-3798
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