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

Jim Passi gets results.

Jim Passi gets results. At the beginning of our process Jim told me he would “hold our hand through this whole thing, whether you like it or not”. I thought it was a good joke but as the days went by, I realized what Jim was about. He was relentless in pursuing our needs and best interests at every turn. Example #1: Even though it wasn’t necessary for him to do so, Jim came up with 2 options for us to increase our credit score(s) before they counted for the interest rate on our mortgage. Thanks, Jim. Example #2: and this is the kicker… I don’t have to tell anyone how competitive it can get when multiple offers come in on the house you want. On a Sunday, there was an open house on the home we eventually bought. There were multiple offers over asking price and the seller’s agent was calling people to find out who was the strongest buyer and/or who’s offer should they accept?. The Pre Approval Jim provided for us had his contact info and when the seller’s agent called him at dinner time with his family, on a Sunday.. and Jim picked up the phone for us. He talked the seller’s agent into accepting OUR offer – and obviously, Jim doesn’t have to do these things. It’s how he gets results and we’re grateful for his relentless nature. We both wish we could give more than 5 stars. Top Notch, all the way.
John & Diane