Homes Need Checkups Too (NAPSA)—Just as a medical professional recommends a routine physical examination each year in order to help keep you healthy, the real estate professionals at Century 21 Real Estate LLC recommend that homeown- ers routinely examine their homes to keep them in good operating condition. Not just a roof over your head, your homeis also an investment and it’s in your best interest to protect and preserve it. When it comes to maintaining your home, nowhereis it truer that an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure. Get out that notepad and pencil and take a walk. Once a year, conduct a complete visual inspection of your home’s major systems including the roof, foundation, plumbing and electrical wiring. Take note of any visual damage or areas of disrepair and look into correcting these areas as soon as possible. For homeowners, this may save you money, time and peace of mind. What may be a small problem today, if left unchecked, could turn into a major repair later on and that could mean spending more money than you had in mind. If you are not able to safely make the repairs yourself, contact a local home maintenance or repair professional for assistance. If you are unsure of how to identify a reputable construction contractor, electrician, plumber,etc., consider a local real estate profes- Makethat home repair now.Later, it may cost lots more. sional, like those affiliated with Century 21 Real Estate LLC, as a resource. Making an informed decision is crucial when selecting who will complete the needed repairs on your home. Should you remodel? In addition to protecting and preserving what may be the largest single purchase in yourlifetime, your homeis also intended to be lived in and enjoyed. It’s been said that a person’s homeis his or her castle, so why not makeit so? No matter what the age of your home, sooner or later, you're going to want or need to join the millions of homeowners who wantto remodel. Among the major rea- sons homeowners remodel is more space, upgrading outdated areas or elements such as kitchens or baths, improving the overall energy efficiency of the home or trying to increase the home’s overall value for resale. Whether conducting routine home maintenance or considering the addition of a guest room or breakfast nook, remember that while homeownership can be a dream come true, it requires a great deal of work and responsibility in order to enjoy it and keep it in good condition. For more homeownershiptips, visit www.century21.com or a local CENTURY21 office.
