"As homeowners, we often neglect to take care of our homes the same way that we might take care of our cars or our pets," said Realtor Allen Bertke, broker/owner of Bertke Consulting Services in Sunnyvale. "We take our cars to the mechanic for tune-ups, our pets to the vet for shots and checkups and ourselves to the doctor and dentist for checkups. But what about our homes? Houses need tender loving care, too."

Bertke recommends homeowners add the following resolutions to their list of things to do in 2003.

* Clean the chimney and fireplace to prevent dangerous soot buildup and fire hazards.

* Repair any plumbing leaks or dripping faucets that can ultimately lead to dry rot, fungus or mold.

* Have the roof checked, since most roofs need a good tune-up every four or five years.

* Keep gutters and downspouts in good repair and make sure that water runoff is directed away from the house.

* Check the caulking around bathtubs and showers, since cracks or voids can lead to water penetration and serious consequences.

* Check the crawl space to see that all vents are secure and gap free to ensure that no critters can take up residence under your house.

* Trim overhanging tree branches away from the roof since these can not only damage the roof but also contribute to clogged gutters.

* Repair or replace broken or worn-out window handles and locks.

* Check the garage door opener to ensure that the auto reverse function works properly, or consider upgrading to a newer one with this safety feature.

* Check the exterior of the home, especially around rafter tails and roof soffits for soft spots in the wood to prevent the spread of dry rot and save on costly repair bills in the future.

"If you follow these New Year's resolutions for your home, it will thank you profusely. You will have a much safer, dryer and trouble-free 2003, and you will also help maintain and improve the value of your home," said Bertke.

Realtor Marge Draper with Coldwell Banker in Menlo Park recommends getting deferred home maintenance projects done during the new year. She suggests calling a home inspector for a top to bottom check, particularly if a homeowner has lived in the home for more than five years. In addition, she encouragers homeowners to take a look at their yards and plan for the coming year.

"Get a copy of Sunset's Western Garden Book and plan for 2003," said Draper. "Make sure to take care of dormant pruning of roses, fruit trees and hydrangeas. Don't forget to keep up watering of plants in pots under the eaves."

Mary Prochnow, broker/owner of Mary Prochnow Realtors in Los Altos, also recommends an update of the landscaping, especially if a homeowner is considering selling during the year.

"If your landscape design is 20 to 40 years old, it's time to make a change. Those old, dirty junipers have to go," said Prochnow. "Look around at newer yards and make some changes in keeping with the current trends. Think about curb appeal. Stand in the middle of the street and look at your house. Try to imagine that you have never seen it before."

One of the things that makes a big difference is the entryway to a home, said Prochnow. "Consider a new front door if yours is showing wear and tear. Put some nice pots of flowers or greenery at the front door. If you keep the old door, consider new hardware. Brushed nickel seems to be the most popular now, so at least look at things other than brass."

Painting is another way to freshen a house. "If you know you are selling, paint colors that are being used in new homes. Look at magazines for ideas. Don't use the same colors you've had forever. It is the buyer you are trying to please, not yourself. These things might not have mattered in the old days of frenzied buying, but now they could make the difference between a relatively quick sale and no sale," said Prochnow.

Getting rid of clutter is essential. "Nothing makes a house look worse, or smaller, than too much stuff. Box it up, give it away, but get it out of the house. If your kids have moved out, take down the posters, get rid of the stuffed animals and turn the rooms into larger, prettier rooms," said Prochnow. "The changes in the marketplace have changed the marketing of your home considerably. Buyers for 'teardowns' have greatly diminished in number. The time you spend with these New Year's resolutions will reap you rewards in the market."