Top 5 Tips for New Homeowners

Purchasing your first home is such an exciting time. Like any new experience, though, there may be some uncertainty and unanswered questions. Where do you begin?

Get to know your home.
As simple as it sounds, doing a “walk-through” of your new home can be extremely helpful. Make a list of what needs to be improved. Figure out what each switch controls. (There’s nothing like flipping a “light switch” to discover it’s the garbage disposal switch!) Navigate the controls for all major utilities. For instance, if you’re trying to install new lighting and need to turn off the main power, you’ll thank yourself for learning how to do this ahead of time instead of scrambling around and trying to figure it out on the fly.

Clean or replace the furnace filter.
Ask anyone. The furnace filter will need attention when you move into your new home. If your furnace has a washable filter, you’ll need to rinse the filter and allow it to dry before reinstalling it. If you find a disposable filter in your furnace, you’ll need to buy a new one and replace it. Doing this regularly will ensure clean air, prevent furnace damage, and save you money in the long run.

Create a home maintenance checklist.
Regular maintenance is key for preserving – even enhancing – your home’s value and extending its life, so making a list of recurring upkeep is important for staying on track. Tasks like replacing filters, cleaning windows and screens, and emptying the gutters should be done on a regular basis to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Save for unexpected expenses.
No matter how thorough your home maintenance checklist is, things come up. You never know what random expenses you’ll need to pay, especially as a first-time homeowner, so having extra savings can be a huge relief if the time comes.

Take your time with the decor.
We know you’re probably exploding with “Pinspiration” right now, and rightfully so. Owning a home means decorating it however you’d like – that’s the fun part! Before you go crazy and spend your life’s savings on brand new decor, take a step back and think about what you really need. There are some decor items you should invest in (a comfortable sofa, a quality mattress, etc.), but try to save where you can and space out your large purchases. This way, you’ll be better prepared for maintenance expenses that may pop up in the future.

If you are looking to buy a house click here and let Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty help you find the home of your dreams.  

*This article is presented to you by Waterstone Mortgage. Please click here to read the full article.