Home & Wealth | April 2025

A DOZEN MAINTENANCE ITEMS HOMEOWNERS OFTEN NEGLECT  
  Few things can compare to the feeling of being a homeowner. You have achieved a big part of the American Dream for yourself and your loved ones. But you want to keep that dream alive and well. So, along with the joys of home ownership come the challenges of maintaining your big investment. Don’t set yourself up for future trouble by putting off important maintenance issues. Doing small jobs when they’re needed will help you avoid big problems later. Here are the home maintenance items you don’t want to neglect. 
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HVAC. Have heating and air conditioning systems checked annually. Change filters regularly. Water Heater. Drain it once a year. Sump Pump. If you have one in the basement, pour water into its basin twice a year to check that it kicks on.
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Water Filtration System. If you have one, ask a qualified professional how often filters and softeners should be replaced. Radon Mitigation System. If you have one for household air, have a qualified professional check it at least once a year. If you have one for well water, ask a qualified professional how often it should be checked.
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Pest Control. Hire a service to check for bugs and rodents at least twice a year, and for termites annually. Carpets. Have them professionally deep-cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Fireplaces. Hire a chimney sweep every spring. Have a qualified professional service gas fireplaces once a year.
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Gutters. Clean them out in the spring and the fall after all the leaves have come down. Garage Door Springs. Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for how often you should lube them. Deck. Power wash and seal wood decks every two to three years. Curb Appeal. Trim trees and shrubs; maintain your lawn, walkways, and railings; wash windows once a year; and touch up paint trim when it starts to peel.
The Jim Passi Team at Citywide Home Loans proudly serves Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Georgia and Flordia. If you are looking to buy a home or refinance, we have you covered. Apply Now to get started.
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Jim Passi - Citiwide Home Loans

Jim Passi
Regional Manager
NMLS# 158000

1121 E. Main Street, Suite 121
St. Charles, IL 60174
Mobile: 847-899-1813
Email: jim.passi@alamedamortgage.com

He really made the experience a positive one and we would highly recommend him and his team!

I had quite a few discussions with other providers discussing our options with no real solution. This was very discouraging to the point we didn’t want to buy. Jim was recommended to me on a Friday, and that next Saturday, we had a long conversation talking about what was best for us and options that could work. Thirty days later we closed on our first home. Jim managed our expectations and everyone on his team that we worked with was supportive, professional, and thorough. He really made the experience a positive one and we would highly recommend him and his team!
Shad D.