Summer is a great time to take a fresh look at your home. The sun is shining, the days are long, and it’s easier to spot the little things that might have been ignored through the winter. You don’t need a huge budget or full renovation to make meaningful improvements. In fact, here are five small, focused projects that our sellers often find useful. These small improvements don’t just check boxes off your to-do list; they help your home feel more cohesive and well-maintained.
Instead of repainting the entire house or replacing large fixtures, instead focus on smaller areas that catch the eye. The front door and surrounding area make a significant difference in how your home feels when you approach it. If the paint is chipped or the light fixture is dated, those are quick fixes. The aim of these small projects is to make your home feel well-loved, not well-lived in.
You might also look at:
● Replacing your house numbers if they’re faded or missing
● Cleaning the storm door glass or switching out the screen insert
● Adding one or two pots of local plants (we love geraniums and petunias)
2. Clear the Corners of Your Yard
Most people mow their lawns, but it’s easy to overlook the side yard, the space behind the shed, or the wooded edge where branches are creeping over the fence. These spots can start to close in around the house if they’re not trimmed back.
Take a weekend to:
● Remove dead limbs or scrubby brush
● Cut back any branches that touch or hang too close to the roof
● Rake out leftover leaves or needles that have collected near the foundation
3. Clean Walkways and Hard Surfaces
Instead of a full deck replacement or a new driveway, try a deep clean. You’d be surprised how different your property can look with just a bit of pressure washing or scrubbing.
Focus on:
● Walkways made of brick, concrete, or pavers
● Wooden stairs or deck areas that have turned gray or green
● Garage doors and trim that may have collected dirt from plows or splashback
Especially in Maine, where homes often have a mix of woods, waterfronts, open yards, and gravel driveways, these areas get a lot of wear. You don’t have to make them perfect, just clean enough to feel fresh again.
4. Inspect and Flip Your Ceiling Fans
You probably haven’t thought much about your ceiling fans since last fall. Now’s the time to check that they’re working correctly and spinning the right way for summer. A small switch on the base allows for the direction to be reversed, so that the fan pushes air down and creates a cooling effect.
Other small maintenance tasks:
● Dust the blades
● Make sure the mount is still tight and not wobbling
● Swap out any dim or mismatched bulbs
5. Sharpen Up the Kitchen Sink Area
This might sound small, but I can’t count the number of homes I’ve walked into where the kitchen looks great at first glance, but something smells off at the sink. The garbage disposal is often the culprit.
Quick fix:
● Toss in some baking soda and vinegar
● Let it sit, then rinse with boiling water
● Run a few ice cubes and lemon peels through the disposal to finish
It’s the Little Things
You don’t have to renovate your kitchen or install new windows to make your home feel better. These smaller updates help maintain your home’s value and make it more enjoyable to live in on a day-to-day basis.
If you’re ever unsure where to focus your energy or wondering which updates will matter most in today’s market, our team at Landing Real Estate is always happy to discuss it with you. No pressure, just honest advice from Realtors® who know the area and have walked through a lot of homes just like yours.
Enjoy the season, and if you're out and about, be sure to say hello. We’re always here to help guide you home.
As I have said before, please call a local REALTOR® for all your real estate needs no matter how big or small. We are trained professionals here to make your life easier. It's best to surround yourself with the right team of professionals that can continuously give you the right advice for all your circumstances.
This article was brought to you by Lisa DiBiase, Broker/Co-Owner of Landing Real Estate. Lisa and her team proudly represent buyers and sellers across the Greater Portland area, the Lakes Region, and beyond. For all your real estate needs, contact Lisa at Lisa@LandingHomesMaine.com or call (207) 775-SOLD. <
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