Tips For New & Seasoned Homeowners
A few people I know have decided recently that they would like to move from the crowded cities where they currently live into more spread-out suburban areas. Most of them have never owned a home before and are not quite sure how to navigate the “ins and outs” of being a homeowner. Here are a few tips you can follow if you are one of the many looking to purchase a new place to live. Some of these tips can be helpful to current homeowners as well!
Tip 1: Develop relationships with your new neighbors!
Start a relationship with people in your neighborhood. Neighbors may be able to fill in the gaps of the home’s history that you were not able to get from the realtor or previous owners. We can all go online to get reviews of local services, but it’s also great to be able to get a referral firsthand. Your neighbors may even let you see the work performed in their home to help you make an even better-informed decision.
Tip 2: Prioritize your projects
If you have always rented, you may be paying more each month for bills now that you own your home. This can include insurance, water, sewer, and garbage bills. These added expenditures may set you back slightly since you have also just made a down payment, paid closing costs and moving fees. So, it’s best to pick and choose your projects. Start with needed repairs (which can be costly) and put off the cosmetic changes for a bit.
Tip 3: Much needed maintenance
Repairs may also include your HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). You should have a reputable HVAC company, such as Reiner Group, Inc., come out to your new home to perform a maintenance check. This includes a full inspection and diagnoses of the system as well as a cleaning of the equipment and filter change. It would be most beneficial to purchase our Preventative Maintenance Agreement for your heating and cooling system. This will ensure that your equipment is clean and working properly so you don’t experience issues that could have been prevented. Plus, you get a discount on parts and labor and 24-hour emergency service. It’s a win win!
Tip 4: Perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit
There are many ways in your home you can “go green” and put money back into your pocket by making a few changes at home to conserve energy. You can start by turning off and unplugging unused appliances. Then, change out incandescent light bulbs for LED. Speaking of lights, don’t turn them on at all when you can utilize the day’s natural light. Also, as you have purchased a new house you may be considering new major appliances. Check to make sure they are energy efficient. Look for the energy star label! Finally, make sure your home is well insulated. This can help not only in the Winter to keep the heat in, but also in the Summer to keep the heat out!
Tip 5: Keep your receipts
When you finally move in, the repairs are done and your improvements have been made, you may want to forget about the sweat and tears, put all of it behind you and relax. Sound like a great plan! Just make sure you hold on to the receipts for the work you did in your home. You can increase your cost basis by the improvements you make, which adds to the value of the home. This will benefit you when you sell, however you need to make sure you hold on to the proof that you made the improvements. Improvement projects include: replacing large appliances, replacing windows, landscaping, replacing or upgrading a heating and air conditioning system and replacing the roof. Home improvements don’t include regular repair and maintenance. You may also use your receipts to apply for rebates on HVAC systems and energy efficient appliances. Find a safe place for that paperwork, it can be money in the bank!
I hope these tips offer some help when moving into a new home. Whether you are moving into a new home or have been in your home for some time, keep us in mind for a new system installation, replacement, or service! We’ve been open since 1934 and are still going strong! We are reputable, reliable, and responsive. We are Reiner.