Beyond keeping you comfortable, maintaining your home is important if you plan to sell it later on. Keeping up with your home isn’t the easiest thing to do, but you could actually be tanking your home’s market value without even knowing it if you’re not taking care of it properly. Fortunately, real estate pro Trey Danna from Compass has been in the business for over 30 years, and he’s seen it all. And according to him, there are several common daily mistakes you’re probably making that actually devalue your home over time. Here’s what they are.

Careless Wear & Tear

Your home is your own personal retreat, and because of this, it can be pretty easy to get a little too comfortable.

The next time you decide to use your baseboard to kick off your shoes or let your pooch lounge in the same spot on your wooden floors, think again. While they appear to be harmless actions, they can actually ruin your home, causing scuff marks, scratches, and dents.

Rather than simply going through the motions at home, Danna highlights the importance of mindfulness to maintain your home’s market value.

“Try to maintain a gentle touch and be mindful of your interactions with your home’s structure. That will prevent these seemingly minor damages from accumulating into something more serious.”

Lifestyle Odors

Did you know that your lifestyle can tank your market value? Everything from smoking in the home to just having pets can cause odors to seep into your walls, carpets, and drapes.

Trey notes, “Smoking in the home creates an environment that’s hard to clean and will repel health-conscious buyers. Keep in mind that even smoking in the garage can deter future buyers, as it can easily seep into the home.”

So, if you do smoke, try to do it in a designated outdoor area that’s far from your indoor space.

Improper Cleaning Practices

Keeping a clean home isn’t always easy. The last thing you probably want to do after a long day at work or school is tidy up your home. Because of this, it can be tempting to take shortcuts or even forgo cleaning altogether.

But neglecting spills on your carpets and floors or using specialized cleaners for just any surface can lead to irreversible damage.

To avoid this, Danna emphasizes the importance of regular cleaning. “Regular, appropriate cleaning maintains the materials’ integrity and appearance by preventing buildup on surfaces, safeguarding your home’s value.”

Neglecting To Close Windows During Bad Weather

The springtime is all about renewal and rejuvenation. It’s when the flowers bloom, birds return from migration, and the days become longer. But not all that glitters is gold. It’s also a time of extreme weather that changes from one hour to the next.

And unfortunately, this could wreak havoc on your home, especially if you like to leave your windows open to let the cool breeze in. Leaving windows open during sudden weather shifts can lead to water damage and other issues, causing your property value to plummet.

To combat this, he says “Don’t leave your home for an extended amount of time with the windows open unless you check the weather or have someone to close them in the event of unexpected rain, wind, or snow.”

Improper Fireplace Use

Having a fireplace can be a real flex, but without regular maintenance, it’s just another potential hazard.

“Excessive heat from an improperly maintained fireplace can also damage nearby walls and flooring, significantly impacting the home’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.” Danna explains, adding that you should “monitor issues during daily use and address them as soon as they arise.”

Overloading Electrical Outlets

Because tech is such a big part of our lives, it can be really easy to overload your electrical outlets. And as Danna points out, “It increases your risk of a fire and can cause circuit breakers to fail and require costly repairs, a major concern for potential home buyers.”

Improper Disposal Practices

Pouring grease down the drain or washing your hair without a drain cover can lead to major plumbing nightmares. “Over time, these habits can lead to significant plumbing issues, such as clogs and damage, which are expensive to fix and can be a major turnoff for potential buyers,” says Danna.

To avoid this, opt for a drain cover for your bathtub and shower, remaining mindful of everything you put down your drain.