Tips For First Time Homeowners

Owning your first home is one of the biggest milestones in an individual’s life and still very much part of the American dream! When you find a house and have your offer accepted, the wheels start turning in your mind. Then, when you receive the keys the excitement to make the home your own becomes a reality. You have plans and dreams and Pinterest boards full of renovation ideas ready to get started. But it can also be a little scary as you can no longer call your landlord or property management office if something isn’t working properly. Before you begin, let’s take a look at some common rookie mistakes and how to avoid them.

Starting Major Renovations Right Away

With all the excitement and energy from the closing table still lingering, it’s easy to get caught up in home improvements. Before starting a major renovation, give yourself 2 or 3 months of living in your home to really solidify that it’s the right financial investment and what you really want. This also allows you time to see how your everyday life fits the space and what changes would be the most beneficial.

Ignoring Routine Maintenance

Ignoring routine upkeep and maintenance, such as prepping your pipes for winter, clearing gutters, and filling cracks near doors and walls, can cause big issues down the line. Make sure to budget both time and money for these tasks. If an outlet stops working or the drawer doesn’t close properly, don’t ignore it. While they may seem like little things at the time and easy to live without the repairs, they can add up when it comes time to sell.

Hiring the Cheapest Option

If you have a job that requires a professional, don’t always opt for the cheapest option. Make sure to get several estimates for the work and look online for reviews. We always recommend hiring someone who is licensed as it will protect your asset if anything goes wrong in the future. Once you do your research, select the professional you think will do the best job.

Modifications Without Permits

You have been dreaming about knocking that wall down and remodeling the kitchen since you first walked through the home. Now the time has come and you are ready to make it happen! When doing any modifications to your home, whether it be in the kitchen, bathroom or even replacing your water heater, it is always best to get a permit. A permit helps ensure the work is done up to code and future buyers will ask about it!

Not Knowing Your Property Boundaries

During closing, you may receive a survey of your home and property, however it’s crucial you know exactly where your property lines are. Outline this before your start planting or building fences or structures.

Neglecting The Exterior of Your Home

Once you move in, it’s easy to focus your energy and effort on the interior. But don’t forget to give your exterior some TLC with thoughtful landscaping and regular checks to ensure weeds are taken care of and water is draining correctly away from the property. Keeping exterior trim properly painted and sealed with a fresh coat every few years will help prevent expensive dry rot in the future.

At Arrive Real Estate Group, we are here to help our clients every step of the way. Not only do we love helping you find and purchase your home, but we also have a long list of trusted service providers ready to share. If you are thinking about purchasing your first home, congratulations! Contact us today to discover the difference with Arrive Real Estate Group.