Owning a new home is much different than renting and unfortunately, if you’ve never owned before it’s hard to fully grasp what all it entails. From handling repairs to decorating on a budget, there’s a lot that changes once you are your own landlord. So whether you’re just beginning to search for a house or you’re in the middle of closing, let’s look forward to what you’ll need to do know as a new homeowner. Take these 5 tips to heart so you’re armed with the knowledge you need:
1. It’s Okay to be Bossy
When you first buy a home, you’re typically going to need to hire outside sources to take care of everything from the flooring to plumbing. This is often our first taste of managing an employee, so while we want to obviously be accommodating to those we hire for the job, it is okay to get strict. Remember, this is your house and you’re allowed to speak your mind if you like or don’t like something. You should always have the ultimate say.
2. Comparison Shopping is Your Friend
Chances are when you buy your first home, you’re not going to have a ton of money to buy every household item you want. That’s where comparison shopping comes into play. Instead of thinking about everything you can’t afford, go shopping for items that fall in your budget and look similar to what your heart desires.
3. Represent Yourself
Your home is supposed to be a representation of yourself, so make sure to decorate it accordingly. From hanging up the paintings you drew in art class to decking the walls with your favorite wallpaper, you should bring a personal touch to every aspect of your home. After all, this is your first house, so take advantage of that fact.
4. Don’t Settle For Anything Less Than The Best
As mentioned earlier, you are going to need to hire different companies to come in and not only renovate certain areas like your floors and roofs, but also come in and install items like your cable and telephone lines. That’s why you can’t settle for anything less than the best here. Talk to your family and friends and see who they recommend for taking care of your needs. Whether that’s a plumber or a local handyman, see who those around you have had success with.
5. Don’t Put Off Repairs
When you purchase your first home, you may notice that certain areas don’t work efficiently or are completely broken altogether. If that’s the case, don’t put off these repairs. Make sure to get them fixed right away. According to Need-A-Plumber Canada, it’s imperative to check your plumbing so you don’t experience a plumbing catastrophe down the road. “I received a late night call from a frantic homeowner who was leery about the plumbing on a house she had just closed on. I agreed to come and take a look at the home’s plumbing the next morning and thank goodness I did! Her pipes were clogged to the point that they became a safety hazard. Nothing ruins the enjoyment of a new home like a plumbing disaster!”
Bottom Line
Buying a home for the first time is definitely exciting, but there are some tips you must keep in mind. When you take these things into consideration, the transition to becoming a first-time homeowner will run so much smoother.
This guest post was written by Karleia Steiner, a freelance blogger. Away from the office she enjoys spending time with her daughters and husband.
