15 Essential Tips for New Homeowners
After months of house hunting, you finally found the home that works for your budget and needs. Congrats! For many, becoming a homeowner is the equivalent of achieving the American Dream. It’s also one of the largest financial investments anyone will ever make. For this reason, it’s especially important for new homeowners to start off on the right foot. From finding a reliable handyman to understanding your property taxes, here are 15 essential tips to make your first homeownership experience a success.
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Find a reliable handyman
One of the best things you can do for yourself (and for your house) is to find a reliable and trustworthy handyman to help with home projects. A good handyman should be a “jack of all trades,” who is able to help with a number of home service needs. From hanging artwork to installing light fixtures, you’ll need someone to assist with various tasks once you move in. For advice on how to find a trustworthy handyman and other service professionals, read our tips here.
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Get to know your neighbors
Meeting your next-door neighbors is one of the most important things you can do once you move in. After all, you never know when you’ll need a good neighbor to grab the mail or water the plants when you’re out of town. Establishing good rapport with neighbors also goes a long way in making your day-to-day living situation more enjoyable. For advice on how to meet your neighbors, read our tips here.
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Take your time with renovation projects
Want to make changes to the home? We recommend taking it one project at a time as opposed to carrying out a massive renovation all at once. This way, you’ll be able to save money and pay for projects as you go. It also helps to first live in the house to see what it is you really need and want to change. That way, you’ll be able to better prioritize renovation projects. For advice on how to budget for a renovation, read our tips here.