Planning on home maintenance and repair, along with updates, is an important part of your financial planning and budgeting for 2008. Your home will decrease in value if it becomes worn with inefficient appliances and systems. Protecting your home’s value and appearance can be both a chore and a joy, but is a financial necessity. In January, February and early March, plan on doing the jobs that can be done indoors: check for drafts and air leaks around windows and doors; check smoke detector batteries and efficiency; repair and patch any cracks or holes in walls or ceilings; have appliances serviced if needed including vacuuming refrigerator coils and clearing the dryer vents of accumulated lint; check your attic stairs and flooring for needed improvements. In March and April, examine your exterior for needed repairs: be sure your gutters and downspouts are clean, attached & painted appropriately assuring that each downspout has a splash block or drain that diverts water away from the house; check your siding and trim for needed replacement or repainting; consider your driveway and sidewalk – are they clear and accessible and do they need pressure washing or resurfacing. In April and May, plan for the heat and your family’s outside enjoyment: clean your air conditioner units both inside and outside; wash windows and repair any damaged screens; check your lawn equipment and lawn furniture; do any interior painting or refinishing since this is a great time to leave windows and doors open for ventilation. Before you go on any summer vacations: be sure to check all of the locks on your windows and doors, plan for yard maintenance, make sure outside lights and light timers are placed strategically and are in good working order; check outdoor play equipment to assure safety. The fall in Texas is a great time for pruning your trees and bushes; get your chimney cleaned and checked for nests; shop for bulbs that will dress up your spring landscape; clean and sharpen tools and lawn equipment before storing; get bids for home improvements as contractors are usually experiencing a lull following the spring/summer housing rush. If you follow simple steps and keep up with home maintenance/updates, when you are ready to sell, your home will be ready, too!