10 New Homeowner Tips You NEED To Know!

1- Create a Homeowner's Binder - There is a lot of paperwork involved during the purchasing process. This is definitely something you will want to keep all in one place. The best advice is to create a binder for all the paperwork to keep it all the important paperwork together. Some of this paperwork could include your homeowners insurance, mortgage, warranty information, and your survey! The survey will come in handy if you ever want to put in a pool, fence, etc. 

2- Pay attention to your energy usage - As a brand new or even seasoned homeowner it can take a little bit to get used to some of the utility bills you need to pay monthly. This could be because you have never owned a home before, or that the home you bought is larger than the last place you lived.  Below are some tips and tricks to save on your energy costs per month.

• Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees
• Switch out lightbulbs for energy-efficient LED lightbulbs.
• Schedule a home energy audit with your local company 

3- Invest in some basic tools - As a new homeowner, there's not a better time to purchaes  a small toolbox to fill it with with useul itmes so that you'll need to handle basic home maintenatnce as needed. From hanging curtains and pictures, to using a ladder to clean an overhead light fixture, you're going to need tools even if you aren't planning on ever doing a DIY.   Here is a list of basic tools to invest in are listed below:

• Tape Measure
• Hammer
• Flat Screw Driver
• Phillips Screw Driver
• Pliars
• Ladder
• Electric Drill
• Small level
• Stud Finder
• Kit of picture hanging hardware
• Kit of wall anhors  

4- Meet your neighbors-

Everyone knows that having a bad neighbors can make your living situation less than pleasant. Once you settle in, go out of your way to introduce yourself. Building relationships with your neighbors will help you learn about the neighborhood, the schools, local contractors, and of course someone to borrow a cup of sugar from. 

5- Start an emergency house fund-

Picture this: its 12 AM and your water heater is flooding your basement. You have no hot water and your water heater needs to be replaced immediately. It's going to cost you $1,500 for the parts and labor. Having a good emergency house fund will help lessen the surprise costs that can sometimes be associated with major home repairs.

6- Get started on that "new home punch list"-

After your inspection you will be given a copy of the inspection report. It's a great idea when you first close to get started on those nit-pick items that the home inspector mentioned. Things like a sink drain that isn't draining well, or installing a gutter extender in the front yard. Getting started on those things when you move in will help with maintaining your home.

7- Change the locks on the doors-

Some people don't think about this but changing the locks on all outdoor doors is a great thing to do when you first close. Copies of keys from the old homeowners may have been made and given out to people without them remembering. Instead of having a bunch of strangers have a key to your home, change all the locks so you have a fresh set!

8- Complete one project at a time

Its easy to get swept up in that new house new project excitement. Try not to work on multiple projects at once. Put all of your energy into once project. Replacing the powder room? Don't start ripping out your kitchen until you are done. Doing too many things at once can make your home almost unlivable and will create an unnecessary stress and anxiety in your life.

9- Unpack rooms that are the most important first

When you move into your home you are going to be overwhelmed by the amount of boxes you have! To make things easier, make a list of the most important rooms and unpack those rooms first. Rooms like Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Master Bedrooms are always on top of the list. Do you have kids? This can be a big transition for them so unpacking their room to make it feel cozy and welcoming is a good idea as well. 

10- Do any major projects before you move in if possible

Its always hard living in a construction zone. If you are thinking about painting or replacing flooring perhaps do that before you move in. Paint the closests a nice bright white becuase they probably haven't been painted in years. Do this before you move your clothing in. Give the garage a fresh coat of paint. Things like that will make the house seem fresh and clean. It will also make it easier to not have to move furniture again or take things off the walls. It's one less thing to worry about!

Got anymore tips we haven't thought of? Leave a comment below!

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