Buying your first home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. For some, this is the culmination of years of hard work and saving, while others may be facing an unexpected circumstance like foreclosure or short sale that forces them to make an immediate decision. Either way, buying your first home will no doubt be one of the biggest financial and emotional investments you ever make, so it’s important to do it right! Whether you are purchasing a brand new construction home or stepping into your dream home that has been previously lived in, here are seven things every new homeowner needs to know before moving in!
1) How many stores are in my area?
The number of stores in your area can have a big impact on your quality of life. If you’re looking for a particular item, you may have to drive further to find it. And, if you’re looking for a job, the number of stores in your area can affect your employment prospects. Here are seven things you should consider when deciding how many stores are in your area
1) How long will it take me to get there?
2) What kind of amenities am I looking for?
3) Will this be good for my commute?
4) What is my desired commute time?
5) Is this going to work with my budget?
6) What do I want out of my day-to-day routine and experience as a resident here?
2) What are all the amenities nearby?
As a new homeowner, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the amenities in your neighborhood. If you have kids, you’ll want to know where the nearest schools are. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you’ll want to find the closest gym. And if you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll need to know where the best bars and restaurants are.
Here are things every new homeowner should know about their neighborhood
1) Where is the grocery store?
2) What are all the different types of food around me?
3) What are all the things I can do near my home?
3) Learn how to use appliances and electronics
Your home is probably full of appliances and electronics that you’ve never used before. Learning how to use them can be daunting, but it’s important to know how to operate them in case of an emergency. Here are a few things you should know 1) How to clean your clothes washer: Run the cycle with detergent, cold water, and the highest water level (this will ensure clothes don’t come out wrinkled). If there’s mold inside your washer or on the drum, scrub it off with bleach or vinegar. 2) How to repair a leaking toilet: Toilet leaks happen when one or more parts break down over time.
4) Have a go-to handyman or woman you can call on if anything goes wrong
If you’re a new homeowner, it’s important to have a go-to handyman or woman you can call on if anything goes wrong. After all, there’s nothing worse than being stranded with a broken sink or a leaky roof and not knowing who to call. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so before signing off your mortgage, think about hiring someone for a few hours each month (depending on the size of your home) to come by and check things out. You’ll be glad you did!
5) Don’t forget about your furry friend
As a new homeowner, you may be so focused on unpacking and making your house a home that you forget about your furry friend. But there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your pet is comfortable in their new surroundings.
6) Find out what events are happening at home while you’re gone
It’s always a good idea to have someone check in on your home while you’re away, whether it’s a friend, neighbor, or professional service. This way you can be sure that everything is okay at home and that no unexpected events have occurred. Here are seven things that should be in every new homeowner’s manual:
- How to turn off the water to your home
- How to turn off the power to your home