Common Mistakes First-Time Homeowners Make
As a first-time homeowner, you might make the common mistake of neglecting the exterior of your home and not cleaning it as often as you should.
Being a first-time homeowner is an amazing accomplishment. You own property, and the entire ordeal will elevate your life. You no longer have to rent places because you have a home that’s all your own. However, with this new development, you have lots of responsibility. And sometimes, things fall through the cracks. Check out these common mistakes first-time homeowners make.
Not Accounting for a Budget
Being a homeowner means there are new expenses you need to account for. You no longer have a landlord to handle the property when things go bad. Those duties now fall on your shoulders. You’ll need to properly account for this change. You should set up a home emergency fund with your bank. In it, you’ll deposit a portion of your check every month in case of an emergency. If you ever need to hire a repair professional or a plumber, you can go to the fund to handle the costs. The money doesn’t need to come from your checking account because you set it aside ahead of time.
Neglecting the Exterior
You may clean the inside of your home religiously, but sometimes, you may forget to handle the exterior too. You can’t neglect this portion. Furthermore, you must go beyond just maintaining the lawn. You’ll need to properly wash the exterior walls of your home and clean the gutters.
Consider using a pressure washer for your home and sidewalk. Make sure to follow the proper guidelines to avoid common mistakes when pressure washing. You shouldn’t use too much pressure. Otherwise, you could damage your home.
Avoiding Inspections
You go to the doctor for yearly check-ups, and your home might need the same treatment. If a problem arises, don’t let it fester. See to it immediately so that it never has a chance to escalate. Additionally, consider having some areas of your home inspected yearly. Many homeowners forget about the roof. They know it’s there, but they never consider it might need maintenance. Have an expert come out just to ensure everything is how it should be. It’s always good to stay proactive and never give a problem the chance to occur.
Forgetting Security
When you move in, you need to secure the place. At your old home, you might’ve only had a few locks on the door. For your new house, this isn’t going to cut. You now have an investment, and it’s your job to keep it secure. For starters, have the locks changed on all the doors once you move in. Secondly, install a security system. Have a camera, motion sensors, and an alarm. This isn’t over the top; it’s a necessary precaution that too many don’t consider. Also, make sure to cover all major areas of entry in your home. Try and keep the code to yourself or share it only with a select few.
Don’t let any of these common mistakes as a first-time homeowner ruin your new investment.
