Homeownership Is Never “Free” — It’s Either Maintained or Repaired 

One of the biggest misconceptions I see as a Realtor is the belief that owning a  single-family home is somehow “cheaper” than owning a condo or townhouse  simply because there’s no monthly HOA fee. 

It’s true — when you own a detached home, you don’t write a check every month  to a homeowner’s association like you would in a condo or townhouse complex.  But here’s the part many people don’t realize: 

If you’re not paying an HOA to maintain the property… you are the HOA. 

Every home requires ongoing care. 

Roofs age. Caulking dries out. Flashing  loosens. Wood absorbs moisture. Seals around doors and windows fail. Termites  don’t send warning letters before they move in. Water intrusion oRen begins  invisibly — behind walls, under flooring, or in attic spaces. 

The choice isn’t between “paying” and “not paying.” 

The choice is between: 

Paying a little, consistently and proactively 

or 

Paying a lot, suddenly and reactively. 

A small roof repair today can prevent a major structural repair later. 

Replacing  worn window seals now can stop dry rot from spreading inside your walls.  Catching termites early may cost a few thousand dollars — but ignoring them  could cost tens of thousands in structural damage. 

That’s why I encourage homeowners to think like a property manager, even if  they only own one home. 

In addition to regular seasonal maintenance (I’ve included here a free home  maintenance checklist below that you can use throughout the year), I strongly  recommend something many homeowners never consider.

Every five years, invest approximately $1,000 in a full home inspection, pest  inspection, and roof inspection. 

Why? 

Because we cannot always see: 

 • Hidden termite activity 

 • Early-stage wood rot from water intrusion 

 • Failing flashing around chimneys or roof transitions 

 • Aging window and door seals 

 • Subtle grading issues that direct water toward the foundation 

Homes deteriorate quietly. By the time you notice a ceiling stain or feel soreness  in the floor, the damage is usually well underway. 

Preventive maintenance is not an expense — it’s asset protection. 

Your home is likely your largest investment. Treating it with the same discipline as  a commercial property owner protects both your equity and your peace of mind. 

To make this easier, I’m providing a free home maintenance checklist you can use  as a guide. Even if you complete just a portion of it each season, you will  dramatically reduce the risk of expensive surprises. 

And remember — you don’t have to navigate this alone. 

If it has been five years (or longer) since you’ve had a full inspection, I’m always  just a phone call away and happy to recommend reputable inspectors who will  give you a thorough and honest assessment. My goal isn’t just to help you buy or  sell a home — it’s to help you preserve and protect the one you already own. 

Because the best time to fix a problem in a house… is before you know you have  one. 

Protect the structure. Preserve the investment. Guard your peace of mind.