The ‘reverse resolutions’ list for homeowners: What not to do in 2025

Jan. 6, 2025

This paid piece is sponsored by Amy Stockberger Real Estate.

By Amy Stockberger

The start of a new year often brings resolutions about what you should do — like saving more money or tackling overdue home projects. But what about the things you shouldn’t do? Avoiding common homeowner mistakes can save you time, stress and money, while protecting your home’s value.

At Amy Stockberger Real Estate, we’ve built systems to simplify homeownership through our Lifetime Home Support™ model. Whether you need help with maintenance, improving energy efficiency or preparing to sell, our exclusive programs provide expert guidance and unparalleled support.

1. Don’t skip regular maintenance 

Neglecting regular upkeep can lead to costly headaches down the road.

With our Home Support Team,™ you’ll have access to trusted local vendors for routine tasks like gutter cleaning, HVAC servicing and more. These experts provide our clients with preferential treatment, ensuring that your home stays in top condition year-round.

Examples of maintenance you shouldn’t ignore:

• Clean and inspect gutters regularly to prevent water damage.
• Replace HVAC filters every one to three months for optimal performance.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors to save energy and prevent drafts.

Consistent maintenance not only protects your investment but also keeps your home running smoothly.

2. Don’t overlook energy efficiency

An energy-efficient home saves money and appeals to today’s buyers.

Through our Home Support Team,™ you can tackle energy upgrades like smart thermostats, LED lighting and improved insulation with ease. These simple changes lower utility bills and boost your home’s overall value.

Simple energy-efficiency wins:

• Upgrade to Energy Star-certified appliances.
• Add insulation in key areas like your attic.
• Install a smart thermostat for better temperature control.

3. Don’t over-personalize if selling soon

Selling your home? Over-the-top personalizations like unconventional colors or bold renovations could alienate buyers.

Our Seller Operation Support™ program is designed to take the stress out of prepping your home for the market. We start by providing an ROI analysis for each project to ensure that you’re investing in the updates that deliver the most value. Then, we handle bid coordination and project management for all necessary updates, making the process seamless.

What Seller Operation Support™ offers:

• ROI guidance: Know exactly which projects will pay off when it’s time to sell.
• Bid coordination: We handle vendor quotes, saving you time and hassle.
• Project management: From start to finish, we oversee every step of the updates to ensure your home is market-ready.
• Access to top vendors: Through our Home Support Team,™ you’ll get the best professionals for the job.

This program is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize their return while eliminating the stress of managing updates. Learn more about Seller Operation Support™ here.

4. Don’t neglect your curb appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing people notice — whether they’re guests or prospective buyers.

With the help of our Home Support Team,™ you can elevate your curb appeal through services like landscaping, painting and pressure washing. Whether you’re refreshing for your own enjoyment or prepping for a sale, small updates can make a big impact.

Quick curb-appeal tips:

• Repaint your front door for an updated, inviting look.
• Replace old house numbers to modernize your exterior.
• Add fresh mulch or seasonal flowers to enhance landscaping.

5. Don’t let small repairs pile up

Minor issues like leaky faucets or squeaky doors can snowball into bigger problems over time.

Our Home Support Team™ ensures that these small repairs are handled quickly and affordably. Staying proactive protects your home’s value and ensures that it’s always in top condition.

Examples of repairs to address now:

• Leaky faucets or squeaky doors.
• Cracked tiles or peeling paint.
• Loose cabinet handles or damaged baseboards.

Want the stress taken out of home ownership? Enter Home Sweet Concierge™

At Amy Stockberger Real Estate, we know that homeownership can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created Home Sweet Concierge,™ an exclusive program for our clients that handles everything from ongoing maintenance to home improvement projects.

Here’s how it works:

• Custom project ROI estimates: We provide insights on how your projects will boost your home’s value.
• Top-tier professionals: Through our Home Support Team,™ you’ll get connected to the best contractors and service providers in town.
• Proactive maintenance coordination: Never worry about missed tasks — we help you stay ahead of costly surprises.

With Home Sweet Concierge,™ your home becomes more than just a place to live — it becomes a powerful tool for building wealth.

Want our seasonal home maintenance checklist?

Not sure where to start with your home’s upkeep? I’ve created a comprehensive seasonal home maintenance checklist that will help you keep your home in great shape year-round.

Click here to request your copy, and let’s start 2025 off right. Whether you’re a client or just curious about how we make homeownership easier, I’d love to connect and show you how our programs — like Home Sweet Concierge™ and Seller Operation Support™ — can transform the way you manage and maintain your home.

Looking to buy or sell a home? Visit Amy Stockberger Real Estate here.

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