Spring is the perfect time to sell, and with a few smart updates, your home can stand out and attract more buyers! Whether you’re preparing for an open house or a private showing, making the right indoor and outdoor upgrades can significantly boost your home’s appeal and value.
From simple indoor fixes like deep cleaning, neutral paint, and refreshing your kitchen hardware to outdoor improvements that enhance curb appeal, there are plenty of ways to make a lasting impression.
Want to know how to transform your space?
Read the latest blog and discover 20 indoor and outdoor home improvement upgrades to help you create a fresh, inviting atmosphere that’ll have buyers lining up.
Tips of the Trade
Welcome to spring, where the wind whips those leaves around and soon, your gutters are clogged. We reached out to Jeff Foust of Kansas City Gutter Company to help us get your gutters prepped for the rainy spring season.
Common Gutter Issues and Solutions
- Clean Your Gutters Regularly: Cleaning your gutters thoroughly is the first and most crucial step in gutter maintenance. Remove any leaves, twigs, or other junk that may have gathered throughout the winter. Use a gutter scoop or a small trowel to remove any stubborn debris.
- Check For Leaks: Leaks are another common gutter problem. Water leaking or pooling near your home is a surefire sign of a problem and should be addressed immediately to avoid causing damage to the foundation. You can fix leaks by caulking or applying sealant to the troublesome area.
- Rusty Gutter Spots: Due to environmental factors, gutters may also develop little rust stains. Fortunately, they can be fixed very easily by scraping the rust from gutters completely using a wire brush.
- Detached Gutters or Downspouts: As gutters pull away or separate, water may start to flow down the outside of your house and towards the foundation, which could result in leaks and other problems. To avoid this from occurring, make a pilot hole, secure the gutter or downspout using U-shaped brackets and short sheet metal screws, and then re-fasten the gutter.
- Cut Overhanging Tree Branches: If there are any trees close to your home, be sure to trim any overhanging branches back so they are a safe distance from your home. During storms these branches can detach causing debris to enter your gutters, or worse, causing major damage by falling on your gutters or roof.
Kansas City Gutter Company Expert Advice
- Can I clean my gutters in stages or should I do it all at once?: Homeowners typically clean the front gutters, leaving the back and downspouts to a professional.
- What are signs that my gutters need repair or replacement?: Rusting, leaking, or sagging gutters are signs they need replacement. Proper installation and care will prevent water damage and wood rot.
- What can I use to prevent rust or corrosion in my gutters?: Leaf blowers, hands, and water can clean gutters without chemicals, and gutter guards help prevent debris clogs and future cleanings.
Regular gutter maintenance is important for the longevity of your home. By following these tips for spring gutter maintenance, you can solve common problems and keep your gutters in top condition all year round. With a little bit of effort and regular maintenance, you can protect your home from water damage and other problems that could be costly in the future.
Reach out and get on the calendar with Jeff this spring 816-674-8164.
Don’t Overlook Your Duct Work This Spring
Home Maintenance for Spring Allergens, Dust, and Pollen
As you prepare to sell your home this spring, don’t overlook the importance of duct work cleaning. While many homeowners focus on the obvious tasks, clean ducts can make a big difference in air quality and HVAC efficiency. Removing dust, allergens, and debris not only improves the overall comfort of your home but also leaves a great impression on potential buyers. A professional duct cleaning is a simple, often-forgotten step that can set your home apart in a competitive market!
Spring brings a wave of blooming flowers, pollen, and seasonal allergies. All of this can easily find its way into your home, circulating through dirty ducts and impacting air quality. For families with kids and pets, spring also means mud, dirt, and other debris being tracked inside. These particles, combined with dust buildup in your ducts, can significantly reduce your home’s indoor air quality. Clean ducts help prevent these allergens from circulating and ensure your home stays fresh and comfortable, particularly for potential buyers who may be sensitive to environmental factors. A clean, well-maintained HVAC system also runs more efficiently, potentially lowering energy bills—another appealing feature for those considering your home.
A professional duct cleaning is a simple, effective way to enhance your home’s appeal while improving the overall environment. It’s an often-overlooked task that can have a major impact, particularly in a busy, competitive spring real estate market!
What to Look For in a Home Inspection
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process. It provides an opportunity to identify any potential issues before finalizing the purchase. While a good inspector will cover a lot of ground, it’s helpful to know what key factors to focus on during the inspection.
Here’s what buyers should pay attention to:
A thorough inspection helps avoid surprises and ensures the home is safe and ready for move-in.
Structural Integrity: Check for foundation cracks, water damage, and issues with framing. Major structural problems can be costly to fix.
Roof Condition: Look for missing shingles, leaks, or signs of wear. A roof nearing the end of its lifespan could result in expensive repairs.
HVAC System: Ensure the heating and cooling systems work properly and ask about their age—older units may need replacement soon.
Plumbing & Electrical: Look for leaks, water pressure issues, and faulty wiring. These systems are expensive to repair if damaged.
Appliance & Fixtures: Check the condition of appliances like the refrigerator and dishwasher. Replacing them can be costly.
Insulation & Ventilation: Ensure the home is well-insulated and properly ventilated to prevent energy inefficiency and mold growth.
Pest Infestation: Watch for signs of pests, like termites or rodents, which can cause structural damage and health risks.
Mold & Water Damage: Check for water stains, leaks, or mold, especially in basements and attics—these issues can be expensive to resolve.
Safety Hazards: Look for exposed wires, faulty handrails, or unsafe stairs. These are minor fixes that can prevent accidents.
Cosmetic Issues: Minor issues like paint or small cracks are usually cosmetic, but it’s good to know about them for future repairs.
The Power of Power Washing
 As the seasons change, it’s a great time to give your home a fresh start, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by power washing the exterior. Over time, dirt, grime, mildew, and algae can build up on your home’s exterior, making it look dull and neglected. Power washing is a fast and effective solution to remove these contaminants, restoring the appearance of your home and boosting its curb appeal.
Restores the Appearance of Your Home
Dirt, dust, and stains can accumulate on your home’s siding, trim, and driveway. Power washing strips away these layers of grime, making the exterior look fresh and vibrant again. Whether you have vinyl siding, brick, stucco, or wood, power washing helps bring out the natural beauty of the materials.
Prevents Damage from Mildew and Mold
Mildew, mold, and algae can thrive in damp, shaded areas, especially during the warmer months. If left unchecked, they can cause lasting damage to your home’s paint or siding. Power washing eliminates these growths, protecting your home from potential damage and preventing the spread of allergens that can affect your health.
Improves Curb Appeal
A clean, well-maintained exterior creates a great first impression for potential buyers if you’re selling, or simply impresses your neighbors if you’re not. Power washing your home’s exterior gives it a renewed, polished look, making it appear well-cared for and inviting.
Prepares Surfaces for Painting or Staining
If you plan to repaint or stain your home, power washing is a necessary step. It ensures surfaces are free of dirt and debris, allowing the new coat of paint or stain to adhere properly and last longer.
Increases the Longevity of Your Home's Exterior
Regularly power washing your home helps maintain the integrity of your siding, brickwork, and driveway. By removing harmful substances like dirt, pollen, and salt, you can extend the lifespan of your exterior surfaces and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Question of the Month
What are some hidden costs a buyer should be aware of when purchasing a home in the spring?
- Julie Shiplet: Watch for winter damage and landscaping maintenance. Focus on the roof, from snow and ice, which can cause loose shingles and leaks. Double check gutters, siding, and potholes in the driveway －all exterior can take a real beating in a harsh winter. A reputable home inspector will be paying close attention to all these areas and much more.
- Cristy Roecker:Â The spring market is more competitive, you may need to bid above the asking price to secure the home of your dreams.
- Paul Gessler:Â Watch for earnest money and inspection fees.
- Afton Kateusz: Having a home warranty in place can help with unexpected issues.
- Tani Beck: Cleaning gutters to divert water away from the home and trimming trees or shrubs near the foundation to prevent water damage.
Lucky Charms Around Kansas City
Explore hidden charms around Kansas City.
Around every corner, you’ll find something unique and exciting to discover.
Downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Lee’s Summit boasts a charming downtown area filled with local treasures. Enjoy a seasonal meal at the original Third Street Social, offering fresh dishes, or grab a drink at Smoke Brewing Company. Shop for stylish finds at Anchora Bella Boutique and unique gifts or beautiful bouquets by All A’ Bloom Flowers & Gifts—downtown Lee’s Summit is a perfect blend of local flavor and creativity.
Downtown Overland Park, Kansas
Downtown Overland Park offers a perfect blend of local charm and vibrant culture. Enjoy a delicious meal at Viona’s Italian Bistro, where you can indulge in authentic Italian dishes. Add a sweet treat from Parisi or Kate Smith Soiree, then stroll over to Ensemble for unique boutique finds. Finish your visit at Monstera’s Books and The General Store, for thoughtfully curated filled gifts and books, making this area an ideal spot for food, fashion, and literary lovers alike.
South Kansas City | Brookside
Looking for a day of local flavor, shopping, and home decor charm in south Kansas City? Brookside has it all, from fun, french dining at Aixois to browsing curated home decor finds at Jorjy. For accessory lovers, EB and Co. offers beautiful jewelry and fashion accessories, making Brookside the perfect destination for a day filled with great food and unique shopping.
What’s going on in the Market
Without much change, Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® shows us a slight increase in Average Sales Price and Inventory. We will continue to see these numbers elevating throughout the season. If you’d like to know the trends for 2025, take a peek at the 2025 Kansas City Housing Forecast Guide.
Contact The Gresham Group because things are moving fast this buying and selling season!
Spring into the Beat
Let the fresh tunes fill your home and set the perfect vibe as you welcome the season!
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