Owning a new home is thrilling! Having a place to call your own is a momentous occasion. You’ve done the gritty work of the home purchasing process. The closing costs have been paid, and you’re moved in to your new house.
Now you are ready for the next step to really start enjoying your new property. But where do you start? Here are some tips for how to get the most out of your new home:
Conduct an energy audit
Find any aspects of the home you could possibly update to save energy. For example, your new home may have an older thermostat. Replacing it with a programmable thermostat increases your home’s energy efficiency. This helps save money on utilities and improves your energy efficiency.
Another simple way to save energy is to make sure windows and doors don’t have cracks and extra spaces. These cracks can let heat out in the winter, which may put a strain on your heating system. In warm climates, window leaks can make your air conditioning work overtime.
Take one step at a time with renovation projects
New homeowners may be tempted to start multiple renovation projects at once. However, it’s best to work on each project one at a time. This way, you can give each project the attention it deserves. You’ll also avoid being overwhelmed by expenses and effort.
Not moving too fast on renovations also frees up space to start an emergency fund. While some repair projects can wait, others may come up unexpectedly.
Make an emergency fund
Emergencies can happen unexpectedly. For example, there may be a break with your hot water heater. Having a savings account designated for home emergencies can add an extra layer of security.
Another important homeowner tip is to invest in the right homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance will protect your property against fire theft, and other threats.
Keep home warranties and manuals in a safe spot
Create a secure binder, folder or cabinet with all important documents associated with your home. This can include copies of the floor plan, notation of the property line, property tax info and more. Keeping all important documents is essential in case of an emergency, and will also make referencing crucial information much simpler.
As a new homeowner, review areas of your home that may need updating, and get into the habit of keeping important documents in a safe place. Doing this work in the earlier days of owning your home can insure homeowner success for many years to come.
About the Author
Hannah Sosinski
I started my career in the real estate industry at the age of sixteen and instantly fell in love.
I worked alongside one of the top producing agents in the country as their administrative assistant for nearly nine years before I took the leap to begin my own journey in the real estate industry.
Working alongside an agent who sells over three hundred houses a year educated me strongly on the Pittsburgh and greater Pittsburgh housing market. While working alongside this agent, I was lucky enough to be involved in several different types of real estate transactions and learned to properly determine home values, many aspects of negotiations and have learned how to close challenging deals while also handling a large amount of deals at the same time.
I have also spent the past seven years working as a property manager throughout Allegheny, Washington and Fayette County. I have managed everything from Section 8 to Luxury units.
Exploring the options of the real estate industry can be overwhelming. While working with me you’re able to sit back and relax as I have worked with many investors, home sellers and buyers and can help guide through the sale or purchase of your home and make it as easy on you as possible.
Whether you’re a first time home owner, downsizing, sizing up, looking to make your first/second or third investment, selling your home, etc. I can use my years of education to help guide you through the purchase or sale of the largest investment of your life.
I look forward to chatting about real estate with you!