5 Things Every New Homeowner Should Know

Sign up for a home warranty

As soon as you buy your home, sign up for American first home warranty. Things are going to break in your home, and now you’re the one responsible for getting them fixed. With a home warranty, you have a simple and reliable way to handle problems in your home. When one of your appliances or major systems breaks, simply make a phone call to the AFC service team and ask for your choice of technician to come out and make the repairs. This home warranty company’s guarantee on repairs lasts for the life of your plan, as opposed to other companies that offer 30- or 60-day guarantees. Also, AFC provides discounts on other valuable services like home security.

Install safety measures

A home has plenty of spaces where you or your family members could get hurt. Take a look at your house when you move in and install any necessary safety measures. If you have small children, you might put gates at the top or bottom of the stairs and putting covers over the electrical outlets. If your new house has a swimming pool, you’ll need to look into swimming pool fencing. Every year, one in five people who die from drowning are children, so prevent any potential heartbreak by having a fence installed around your pool. The fences have a lifetime warranty and will stop your kids from accessing the pool when they’re not with an adult. Don’t underestimate safety in your home. Make sure everything is ready for your family before you move in.

Save extra money for your home

At this time, you’ll want to set up an emergency house fund. If something major breaks in the home or if you’re out of work and not making money, this fund will help you continue to pay your mortgage. You’ll want to save around three to six months of living expenses. If your mortgage payment is $1,000, your monthly utilities are $300, and your grocery bill is typically around $500 for the month, you’ll want to save between $5,400 and $10,800. If you’re hoping to also pull from this account if any appliances need replacing, aim for the higher number. Without the security of a landlord and with the added pressure of a mortgage, you’ll be glad you saved this money.

Prevent problems before they happen

Keeping your house in excellent shape will help prevent any problems from occurring, saving you time and money. Learn everything you need to know about your home so you can keep it in working condition. Keep a home maintenance checklist and complete it on schedule. Every month, test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. At least once a year, check your roof and basement for signs of damage. Knowing the normal state of your home and looking at every area frequently will help you know immediately if something is wrong. You’ll be able to stop a problem for getting bigger, and keeping everything maintained will prevent issues from happening in the first place.

Learn the basics of your plumbing and heating

Two big areas that you want to keep in great shape are the plumbing and heating. A problem in either of these areas could be expensive and time-consuming. Learn how to make minor plumbing repairs as well as how to perform regular maintenance. You’ll need to clean the gutters frequently. Keep an eye out for any dripping faucets or wet spots in the home and repair leaks. For the HVAC system, change the filter and clean the system frequently. Replacing either of these systems will cost you, so keep them in great shape and learn how to fix minor problems.

Now that you’re a homeowner, do what you can to keep your property in excellent condition. You’ll save yourself time and money, and you’ll take pride in your beautiful house.