Brandi Pearl Thompson: Fixes for Summertime Property Woes

  • Wednesday, August 19, 2020
  • Brandi Pearl Thompson, president, Greater Chattanooga Realtors

The warmer weather can certainly offer a lot to make us smile. Even with COVID, most have been able to enjoy some safely socially-distanced activities. But summertime also brings its own challenges when it comes to managing your personal property. Here are some tips to help make these last few days of summer as welcoming as you can.

Pesky bugs. We all know that storing food properly inside our home goes a long way to helping get rid of insects, but what about for the outdoors? It might be a good idea to hire a professional exterminator to help with repeated indoor pests, but one benefit of warmer weather is that there are many yard plants that savvy homeowners use to help keep away unwanted guests. Mint, lavender, basil, and citronella grass are just a few of the natural alternatives to make an outdoor area even more pleasant, and there’s also the added benefit of increased curb appeal these plants provide.

Expensive utility bills. Although we hopefully are getting more time outside, COVID-19 is still making many of us spend more time indoors than we have been, which can lead to higher energy bills. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat. These handy devices can be controlled from your smartphone and will help keep costs down throughout the year. Don’t you love the idea of taking a road trip during this winter, and returning to a warm, toasty house?

A gross, brown lawn. In a recent article for National Association of Realtors’ Houselogic, Nancy Mann Jackson shared great insight into summer lawncare. Ms. Jackson writes, “Brown grass isn’t always nature's fault. Your brown grass may be the result of mowing your grass too short. Leave at least 1-3 inches of grass above the root so the grass can absorb enough water to combat the heat. If your grass is browning because of drought, make sure your sprinklers are adjusted properly, and water less often for longer periods." Ms. Jackson continues, “If you live in a drought-prone area, you may be better off removing most of your grass and opting for hardscaping or another drought-friendly groundcover. What's not to like about stone walls, gravel paths, or paved patios? Install enough of it, and you can ditch your lawn completely.”

Water damage. Yes, water damage. Sure, the temps are hot, but that doesn’t mean it’s dry all the time. Severe weather never takes a vacation, so you should always keep an eye out for possible water/storm damage. Overgrown limbs could spell big problems for you if they fall on your fence, garage, or house. Not to mention, limbs touching the house provide critters easy access to your roof or possibly a compromised part of your attic.  And don’t forget the gutters, which often get overlooked in the summer, so make sure those are clear from any obstruction. That way, when quick downpours happen, the water goes where it’s supposed to, and not anywhere inside your property.

Realtors are here to help our clients all year long. Hot or cold, your realtor knows many vendors who can assist in whatever maintenance or project you might have. We’re here to serve property owners. That’s Who We R.


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