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 was on call pretty much 24/7

Recently bought my first condo. Everything about buying you own place and all the paperwork around it seemed so confusing and complicated. But thanks to Jim the whole process went smooth. Jim was on call pretty much 24/7. Every single question I had any time of the day he was able to answer. And I had a loooot of questions. For every detail in loan estimates and even questions not really related to his part of the process Jim provided clear answers and explanation. I was in a rush as my old rent was ending and I did not want to extend the rent but rather buy my own place. And with the help of Jim the whole process with approval and all the paperwork went so fast, smooth and on time that it just proves how experienced and professional he and his team are. Even after the purchase Jim is there to answer my first home owner questions. I would give them 11 out of 10 rating and highly recommend doing business with Jim.

Vladlen R.