Buying a home is typically the largest purchase any of us will make. As exciting as that is, there’s going to be plenty of stress that comes with it. The best way to help that is by knowing what to expect. Keep these tips in mind and getting comfortable in your new home will be easy.
Think About Painting
Taking on a paint job, whether it is the spare bedroom or the exterior of the home, is going to be a lot easier before you are settled and all your things are there with you. Getting this done before you are even in the house is going to be much less work for you or the professionals you hired to do the job.
Look Into Grants
Just because something passes inspection when you are buying the home doesn’t mean it will remain in tip-top shape for the duration of ownership. Once you are settled, take the time to look into what grants are available based on your state and where you live within it. Even if the roof is new when you purchase it, knowing that you can get a grant for roof replacement down the line can save you a lot of stress later.
Change the Locks
This might not sound like it’s extremely important, but this is always worth doing. Never forget that there’s no way of knowing who was given a key during the time that the previous owners still had the home.
Make It Yours
Outside of strict HOAs, you might be surprised at how much of a blank slate your new home can be. Just because there’s no trees in your yard at the time of purchase, doesn’t mean you can’t have plenty in just a few short years.
Unpack With Importance
As easy as it is to just want to open the box that’s in front of you, think about what you’ll need on your first night there. The idea of finally watching TV again might sound better than anything else but don’t forget that you have to have the bedroom setup so you aren’t spending your first nights on the floor.
Find A Handyman
This is also worth doing before you need it. Finding a handyman near me who you can trust and rely on in an emergency is not to be understated. Not only do you want to make sure your money is going to the right place but you also need to know the job is done right.
Learn A Little Home Repair
Never take on a task that you feel might be dangerous, such as any electric work that you aren’t familiar with. On the other hand, just by watching a YouTube video or two, you might be surprised at what repairs around the house aren’t actually that difficult to do. Also, having the right tools for inch-pound adjustments can make tasks like tightening bolts or fixing hinges far more precise and manageable.
Meet The Neighbours
Whenever you see the chance, take it. Depending on what your neighborhood looks like will determine what kind of events you come across. Whether it is a cookout or a neighborhood sports game, make yourself available and let the neighbors know that you are now who lives nearby.
Save The Papers
Not only save all the paperwork that comes with the home purchasing process but also find a safe place to keep important documents going forward.
Keep A Notebook
This is another thing your future self will thank you for. There’s no need to have guesswork when trying to remember when the hot water heater was changed or when you finally put the new sink in. As the decades go by you’ll be thrilled to know exactly what was changed when.