Tips For New Home Owners

Below are some helpful tips for new homeowners to guide you through the first few months and years of home ownership.

First things first: In the first few months of owning your new home you should consider implementing the following safety and security measures. 1. Install new locks and make extra sets of keys. 2. Check the batteries in all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Install fire extinguishers. 3. Take pictures of the interior and exterior of your home. These are valuable for appraisals and insurance purposes. 4. Start a file for information associated with your house including the property insurance, mortgage statements, user manuals and receipts for home-related purchases.

Home repairs and upkeep: Like any other property, a home requires regular maintenance. Here are some ideas for keeping your property in top condition. 1. Check the roof and clean the gutters each spring, making sure water flows away from the house. 2. Create a safety checklist to review every fall, checking batteries in smoke detectors, the sturdiness of railings, etc. 3. Wash the outside of your home every other year, checking the foundation for cracks and the siding for signs of insects. 4. Service all heating and cooling equipment on a regular basis to make sure things are working properly and efficiently.

Growing your home: After you've lived in your home for a while, you may decide to improve it, adding rooms, a garage or an exterior patio. Before taking the plunge, think about these details. 1. Consider how your improvement ideas will affect the value of your home. 2. Create a budget for your improvement project. Make sure you understand all costs involved. 3. Research reliable, fair contractors in your area and ask for bids. Check references before choosing the contractor for the project. 4. Some home improvements are tax-deductible, so make sure to save all receipts and vendor invoices.

Owning a home takes work, but there are great benefits that come from maintaining your home with care and regular attention.

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