Any homeowner should pay close attention to their home’s condition and make an effort to spot problems before they get out of hand. Regular and thorough upkeep becomes even more important if a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is part of your retirement strategy.

In addition to staying current on insurance premiums and property taxes, reverse mortgage requirements include a commitment to keeping the home in good condition. Avoid letting small repairs turn into big ones by keeping a close eye on these areas of your homes.  

Attic

Regular checks of this forgotten space are critical to a successful home maintenance plan. Signs of minor roof leaks, water stains on the underside of roof decking, or damp insulation, will be noticeable here first. Rodents, termites and other pests might also make this their first stop, so it’s better to check sooner rather than later.

Walls & Ceiling 

It’s easy to chalk up changes in walls and ceilings to the normal wear and tear that comes with a house’s age. However, peeling paint or wallpaper could indicate a moisture problem. While small cracks, especially above windows and doors, are often expected, anything ¼ inch wide or bigger is worth investigating further for a more severe problem. 

Bathrooms

Considering the damage that water can do to a home, bathrooms are notoriously troublesome. Fix leaky fixtures right away and refresh the caulking around sinks and tubs regularly. A wobbly toilet likely needs a new wax ring, while signs of mold and mildew could point to a ventilation problem. 

Gutters

Of course, gutters are meant to keep water away from your home. If you have them, make sure they can do their job by keeping them clean and free from blockages. If they’re damaged or dirty, they could end up doing much more harm than good.

Basement

Basements can also become a nightmare for homeowners when issues go unnoticed or are ignored. While keeping these in-ground structures dry can be a challenge, it’s much better to be proactive than reactive. If water management efforts around your home aren’t cutting it, even a more expensive fix now will be better than facing even more problems down the road. 

If you’re in the market for a mortgage, take advantage of a thorough review of your options from Open Mortgage. Visit OpenMortgage.com, or call us today to find out how we make sure to take care of our clients.