Buying your first home is an exciting time in life, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. Learn these new homeowner tips to help you make the transition from renter to property owner a smooth one.
Make a binder for all your important homeowner documents, such as mortgage and insurance paperwork. Include appliance manuals and warranties, receipts for home improvement projects and contact information for reliable contractors.
1. Get a Home Inspection
A home inspection is one of the most important things that you can do before you buy a new home. It will ensure that the house is safe and free of major issues, and it will also let you know how much it will cost to make any necessary repairs.
A good home inspector will be able to identify problems with the foundation, plumbing, electrical wiring, and appliances. They will also be able to give you an idea of the life expectancy of these items, which can help you plan your budget and schedule future repairs.
You should ask your real estate agent for recommendations and do some online research to find a reputable home inspector. It is usually best to attend the inspection as well, so you can ask questions and get a better understanding of the report. However, if this is not possible, be sure to ask the inspector to take notes and photos for you.
2. Get a Home Warranty
Whether it’s your first time buying a home or you’re simply interested in protecting your major investment, a home warranty can be an excellent addition to your household. Home warranties offer protection from high repair costs for appliances and home systems.
Buyers should do their research before selecting a provider. Sites like https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/home-warranty-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers will provide you with resourceful information that will help you understand what a home warranty will entail for your first home purchase.
In some cases, a home warranty can help reduce the stress and hassle of negotiating with sellers about the cost of necessary repairs after closing. A seller may even include a home warranty as part of the sale agreement, which can seal the deal for a buyer. This is because, in many states, new homeowners have up to a year (or more) after closing to make large repair payments that are typically split between the seller and the buyer.
3. Do Your Homework
Buying a home is a major purchase. You want to make sure you’re doing all the research you can before you sign on the dotted line. This includes not only looking at
the purchase price, but also considering things like homeowner association fees, property taxes and upkeep costs for amenities like swimming pools and fancy heating systems.
Another important thing new homeowners should do is to get to know their neighbors right away. This can help you build relationships and find trustworthy contractors. It can also help you address any issues that may arise later, such as noise complaints or property lines. Another great tip for new homeowners is to change the locks as soon as you move in. You never know how many people may have a key to your house, and changing the locks is a simple, inexpensive way to protect yourself.
4. Be Prepared for Surprises
Buying a new home can be an exciting time. It can also be a stressful time, especially if you’re not prepared for the surprises that may come up.
It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected costs of homeownership, which can go well beyond your mortgage payments. Be sure to start an emergency fund and set aside money for major expenses such as roof repairs or a new water heater.
One of the first things that new homeowners should do is change their locks. You never know who might have a copy of the old key, and it’s best to be safe than sorry.
Another thing that new homeowners should do is set up utilities and services. This includes getting internet, cable and gas. It’s a good idea to set these up before you move in, so they’re ready to go on your move-in date.
5. Take Care of Your Home
Taking care of your home is an important responsibility. It requires maintenance and regular cleaning. You must also keep up with your home’s insurance and utility bills. If you take these tasks seriously, you will enjoy your home for years to come.
One of the first things new homeowners should do is change the locks. You never know how many people might have a spare key, so this is a good safety measure. You should also make sure to update your address with the Postal Service so your mail gets forwarded.
Another important task is to have the air filters changed. This can help improve air quality and reduce dust in the house. If you are a busy person, you can hire a professional cleaning company that specializes in move-in and move-out services to do this for you. You should also get a toolbox and learn how to use it so you can tackle small jobs around the house like changing light bulbs or hanging pictures.
