By Jaime Silveira

Wrapping up  2024 and embarking on 2025, it is wise to think and act on how to protect your home. As a homeowner or a potential homeowner, there are things to keep in mind and be diligent about when it comes to ensuring one of your biggest assets is protected. Some of these items, legal or physical, may seem obvious to the seasoned homeowner, but they are still good reminders to all.

The first topic I wanted to talk about is whether or not it is necessary to hold your property in a trust. This is a question I receive quite regularly. My answer will always be yes! 

A trust is created to help you achieve financial security, privacy, control, and protection for both you and your beneficiaries. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with significant assets (a home is a significant asset), complex family situations, or asset protection. There are different types of trusts and depending on what your goal is will determine the type you need. I advise you to consult with an attorney when considering a trust. One of the biggest advantages to a trust is avoiding probate. Probate is a costly and time-consuming legal process in which a deceased person’s will is validated and their assets are distributed. A trust allows for those assets to pass directly to the beneficiaries without going through probate. A trust also allows you to control and specify how your assets are distributed by having detailed instructions on how and when beneficiaries should receive their inheritance. For families with children or blended families, a trust will help ensure that assets are distributed according to your wishes. Clearly defined instructions within a trust can reduce the likelihood of disputes between heirs. And, should you already have a trust set up, make sure to keep it current. Check-in with your attorney to make sure it still mirrors your current wishes. I am not an attorney; an attorney should be consulted when determining the best financial security for you and your family.

Other topics that I receive questions about are what type of systems in my home require maintenance? It is important to stay on top of maintenance to help avoid costly situations. One of the biggest systems in your household to maintain is the HVAC system. I will always encourage homeowners to hire a professional to conduct a once- to twice-a-year maintenance check on their HVAC system. Staying on top of the HVAC can allow you to catch a problem early on and help increase the longevity of your unit. 

The roof of your home is another area that should be on homeowners’ minds. Conducting frequent inspections of the roof can help detect problem areas that could turn into leaks, which turn into very costly fixes. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure water is carried away from your home when it rains. Another good practice is walking around your home during the rain to see if there are any areas of standing water near the home and taking steps to remedy the situation. Similarly, walking around your home when it isn’t raining to detect unwanted water is also a good practice. The irrigation system is something that should be on the radar as well. Frequently checking the sprinkler or drip irrigation system can help prevent your plants from dying — which can happen quickly in Northern San Luis Obispo County — due to lack of water or avoid higher than normal water bills due to an unknown leak.

Always be vigilant and check for water leaks both in and around your home. Not only can water be an issue outside, it can also create costly situations indoors. Water leaks can be subtle but can cause significant damage if left untreated. Spotting leaks includes regularly looking under sinks to make sure there is no standing water, inspecting your hot water heater for unwanted drips, and checking faucets to make sure all connections are tight and dry. 

Water pressure is probably something most of us don’t think about, but the water pressure in Atascadero and surrounding areas tends to be quite high. High water pressure can damage pipes, appliances, and fixtures over time, so it’s a good idea to be vigilant. The water pressure regulator on the outside of your home doesn’t last forever and will need to be replaced from time to time. Having it inspected routinely will help avoid the damage high water pressure can cause. 

Owning a home comes with both rewards and responsibilities. By staying on top of your maintenance and legal obligations, you can protect your investment and ensure your home remains a comfortable and valuable asset over time. Regularly review your financial situation and be proactive in addressing any potential issues that could arise. If you need a referral for professional assistance, give our office a call. We have some great industry contacts.

ATASCADERO NEWS MAGAZINE

Copies of Atascadero News Magazine are directly delivered to 11,500 readers in zip codes 93422, 93432, and 93453 and 1,500 dropped with support from advertisers and subscribers. Together, we are Making Communities Better Through Print.™

To subscribe or advertise, click here.