7 Smart Things Every Homeowner Should Do This June

Owning a home is rewarding, but it comes with a seasonal to-do list. June is the perfect time to tackle key maintenance, plan smart upgrades, and check in on your financial health. In this article, we’ll walk through seven smart steps every homeowner should take this month to help protect your investment, stay safe, and make the most of homeownership this summer.

1. Service Your Cooling System

Your HVAC system works hardest in the summer, so now’s the time to make sure it’s running efficiently.

·       Replace the air filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder, driving up energy costs. Filters are inexpensive, and you’ll save money in the long run as HVAC units run more efficiently with fresh filters.

·       Schedule professional maintenance: An HVAC tech can inspect your cooling system before the hottest months of summer to help ensure optimal performance, extend the life of the system, prevent potentially costly repairs, and improve energy efficiency.

·       Test your thermostat: Before things really heat up, it’s important to make sure your thermostat is working correctly. Make sure it’s set to the correct mode (cool). Then, after running the AC for 20-30 minutes, place an indoor thermometer in the same room to ensure it matches the temp on the thermostat. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to better manage the temperature and save energy.

·       Clean vents and returns: Dust and debris can accumulate, especially after springtime when windows may have been open with dust and pollen circulating in the air. Clean vents and returns to prevent recirculating old dust and debris.

2. Refresh and Maintain Outdoor Spaces

June is prime time for enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re grilling, gardening, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery, a few simple steps can make time spent outdoors even more enjoyable:

·       Power wash siding, windows, decks, patios, walkways, and patio furniture to remove built-up dirt and grime.

·       Inspect wooden decks for signs of rot or damage. Repair damaged areas and seal to protect against the hot summer sun and moisture damage.

·       Trim overgrown trees and bushes, edge garden beds, and add additional plants and mulch where needed.

·       If you have an irrigation system, check it for broken sprinkler heads or uneven water coverage.

·       Put clean cushions and pillows on patio furniture and set up umbrellas to increase shade.

·       Consider adding other small touches such as potted plants/flowers, solar-powered garden lights, string patio lights, and bird feeders.

3. Inspect Your Home’s Exterior

Months of winter weather, spring storms, summer heat, and even pests can all take a toll on your home's exterior. Take a quick walk around the exterior of your home so can catch small issues before they become big repairs.

·       Inspect siding for signs of visible damage like cracks, chips, dents, or loose panels. Other things to look for include water damage or rot as well as paint issues like peeling, flaking, or blistering.

·       Check the interior and exterior of your foundation for cracks, bulging or leaning walls, and uneven floors.

·       Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. This can be done visually from the ground or up on the roof, with binoculars, or even by using a drone equipped with a camera.

·       Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water overflow in summer storms. Likewise, make sure water is draining properly away from your foundation.

·       Look for signs of pests, such as ant trails, termite damage, or nests in eaves.

4. Make Upgrades to Your Home

Summer is an ideal time to consider upgrading your home. Whether it’s adding a fresh coat of paint to tackling a kitchen remodel, building a patio, or even installing a pool, there are endless ways to enhance your space. Before your begin, make sure the project is worth the expense and that it fits comfortably within your budget.

It’s also a great time to invest in both comfort and home value with smart, manageable upgrades. Consider installing ceiling fans to ease the load on your AC, adding smart home features like a video doorbell or security cameras, and enhancing your space with energy-efficient smart lighting. Small changes like these can make a big impact on your daily living and long-term savings.

5. Review Your Mortgage and Insurance

Homeownership isn’t just about maintaining your physical property, it’s also about maintaining your financial health. Your home is likely one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, so regularly reviewing your mortgage and insurance is essential.

·       Evaluate your mortgage terms: Your financial situation and mortgage rates can change over time, so it's important to periodically assess both to ensure you're getting the most value from your current mortgage. Even a 0.5% reduction in interest can make a big impact over the life of your loan. Take time to review your current mortgage situation with your mortgage loan officer to determine if refinancing could be the right move for you.

·       Review your homeowner’s insurance: Has the value of your home increased? Have you made renovations or added high-value items that boost your home’s worth? It’s important to ensure your insurance coverage reflects your home’s current value. Be sure to adjust your policy accordingly to maintain adequate protection.

·       Check your escrow account: If your mortgage includes an escrow account, now is a great time to review it. This account is used to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance on your behalf, but fluctuations in tax assessments or insurance premiums can cause your monthly payment to change. Take a few minutes to review your most recent escrow statement or log into your mortgage portal to ensure everything is accurate and up to date. Catching discrepancies early can help you avoid surprises like a shortage that increases your monthly mortgage payment or a refund you didn’t realize you were owed.

6. Update Emergency Plans and Supplies

Summer may be full of sunshine, but it can also bring unexpected challenges like severe thunderstorms, tornados, power outages, wildfires, or even extreme heat waves. It’s easy to overlook emergency preparedness when the skies are clear but taking a few proactive steps now can make all the difference when conditions change quickly.

·       Know where your gas and water shut-off valves are in case of an emergency leak.

·       Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. Consider replacing outdated detectors. In general smoke detectors last 8-10 years and carbon monoxide detectors last 5-7 years.

·       Restock your emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, duct tape, tarps, and important documents.

7. Enjoy Your Space

After checking off your to-do list and investing time and care into your home, don’t forget the most important part of homeownership – enjoying it. Whether it’s hosting a summer barbecue with friends, sipping your morning coffee on the porch, or simply admiring the garden, take time to slow down and appreciate the space you've created.

Homeownership goes beyond routine maintenance, it’s about maintaining value, enhancing your everyday comfort, preparing for what’s ahead, and protecting one of your largest financial assets. If you have questions about  your current mortgage or whether refinancing your mortgage is right for your situation, an FNBO Mortgage Loan Officer is available to help. Give us a call today.