Don’t wait to sell before making home repairs

In the current soft real estate market, homeowners may be less inclined to pay money to make repairs around the house. However, the key to preserving the value of your home is keeping it in good condition.

Home maintenance is a cost of ownership, as are property taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage expenses.

Even though you can't tally your home maintenance expenses and expect a buyer to reimburse you, you do benefit when you sell. Buyers tend to pay more for homes that are in top condition, particularly in a buyer's market.

Also, if you don't take care of deferred maintenance, buyers are likely to adjust the price they'll pay accordingly. The burden of making the repairs will be on them, so they will factor this into the cost of the house.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: As a homeowner, you can keep your home maintenance costs down by staying on top of minor problems before they become major. Summer is an ideal time to take a serious look at your home. Track down leaks in windows, doors, roofs, foundations, drainage systems and basements. Have these and any related damage repaired.

Some homeowners can make repairs themselves. Others can't even spot a problem when they see one. If you fall into the latter category, plan to hire a home inspector, contractor or handyman to inspect your home annually for defects that need to be repaired. Set a schedule for taking care of home maintenance items like having the furnace and fireplace checked, trimming trees and clearing drains.

THE CLOSING: Keep copies of invoices for work performed on your home. It will serve as a good reference for you and for the next owner of your home.

Dian Hymer is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books.