Arizona Homeowners: Your End of Summer Home Checklist

September in Arizona is funny.

The calendar says fall.

The temperature usually has other plans.

But September is still a great transition month to give your home some attention after months of extreme heat and monsoon weather.

Whether you're planning to stay put or thinking about selling later this year, a little maintenance now can help you catch issues before they turn into larger problems.

Check Your Roof

Summer heat and monsoon storms can be tough on Arizona homes.

Take a look for visible signs of damage and consider having a qualified professional evaluate anything that concerns you.

If you have a tile roof, look for visibly shifted, cracked or missing tiles from a safe location rather than climbing onto the roof yourself.

Flat roof areas deserve attention too, especially after heavy rain.

Look for Signs of Water Intrusion

Monsoon season has a way of revealing weaknesses.

Check ceilings and walls for discoloration, bubbling paint or other signs of moisture.

Look around windows and exterior doors.

Walk around the exterior of the property and pay attention to areas where water appears to collect.

A small water issue is much nicer to discover early than after it becomes a much larger repair.

Give Your HVAC Some Attention

Your AC deserves an award for surviving another Arizona summer.

Check your air filters and replace them as appropriate for your system and household.

If your HVAC system hasn't been professionally serviced in a while, September can also be a good time to think about routine maintenance.

Inspect Your Exterior

Walk around your property and look at:

Exterior paint and stucco.

Weather stripping.

Window seals.

Fencing and gates.

Outdoor lighting.

Landscaping.

Irrigation components.

Patios and outdoor structures.

You don't have to fix everything in one weekend.

The point is to know what's happening with your property.

Check Your Landscaping and Irrigation

Arizona landscapes work hard during summer too.

Inspect irrigation lines and emitters for leaks or damaged components and look for plants that may need maintenance after the hottest months.

Water pooling where it shouldn't can also be a reason to take a closer look at drainage around the property.

Clean Up Outdoor Living Areas

We're heading toward the part of the year Arizona homeowners wait all summer for.

Patio season.

Clean outdoor furniture, check your grill or outdoor kitchen, inspect patio fans and lighting and start getting the backyard ready for cooler evenings.

If you have a pool, this is also a good time to review its condition and maintenance needs after a heavily used summer.

Thinking About Selling This Fall?

This checklist becomes even more useful.

Taking care of small maintenance issues before listing can make preparing your home significantly easier.

You also don't need to guess which projects are worth doing.

Before spending money on upgrades, repairs or renovations specifically for resale, talk with your real estate agent about which items could matter most for your particular property and market.

Sometimes the best pre-listing strategy isn't doing more.

It's knowing where your time and money will have the greatest impact.

Homeownership Is More Than Buying the House

Real estate doesn't end when you get the keys.

Your home is where you live, recharge, entertain, build routines and create your version of everyday life.

Taking care of it protects both the property and the lifestyle it provides.

And if that lifestyle eventually stops fitting?

That's when it might be time to talk about your next move.

Where you live should support your lifestyle and sometimes that means taking care of the home you're in, while other times it means finding the one that fits what's next.