Homeowners (whether you just purchased your first home, or are thinking of selling your home soon) take note, because fall is an ideal time for maintenance projects to get your property ready for the change in seasons.

These will not only help your home look its best, they can also be an asset if you are trying to sell your home in the future. A poll of top agents from the real estate experts at HomeLight reveals the home maintenance projects that will appeal to buyers. Here are some of the main areas to focus on to help you get started:

Yard work and storm clean up

After the end of a hot Southern summer, your yard will benefit from a little TLC. One of the best projects to start with is assessing your mulch layer and your landscaping.

Keep in mind that it’s ideal if your mulch layer is 2-3 inches deep, to give it a fall refresh. In fact, it’s so important that more than 51 percent of agents in the South Atlantic region recommend this project for homeowners, as compared to a little more than 41 percent nationally. Another check is to see how your yard fared against any summer storms. You may need to have trees checked by a professional to see about protecting your home from potential falling branches or other hazards.

Woodwork check

The wood on your home is an area that you’ll want to check at least once a year, and fall is an ideal time to take care of this all important task. That’s because exposed wood on your home can allow water to seep in, which can lead to rot and mold. More specifically, agents recommend repairing damaged wood on siding, porches, and window frames. If you still need to be convinced, more than 58 percent of agents said you’d be wise to prioritize this as one of your fall home maintenance projects.

Patch your roof

Especially if you are thinking about selling your home soon, a well-maintained roof is a must this fall. Repairing or replacing a roof is not a small expense though, and if you need to completely overhaul your roof now, you may need to pay what some are calling a “Covid premium” as building materials have gone up in price due to a lack of supply. Fall is the best time to assess your roof as temperatures are a bit cooler than in the summer months, and more than 55 percent of agents said this a top maintenance project for fall.

Give your siding a refresh If your home has siding, fall is the time to power wash it to remove mildew and dirt. This not only keeps your home looking its best for curb appeal to attract buyers, it also prevents damage that might occur from accumulated dirt or moisture.

You can also make this project DIY, by power washing your home using a low-pressure nozzle and keeping it at least six inches away from the surface of your home’s exterior. As you get ready for the end of summer and beginning of fall, it’s also an ideal time to think about maintenance projects that will help your home look its best.

These projects will benefit your home now and in the long run if you are thinking about selling