Congratulations on your new home purchase! Owning a home is the American dream, yet only about 65.5% of U.S. residents are homeowners. You’ve worked hard to achieve your goals, so before anything else, you should definitely celebrate!
After you’ve taken some time to commend your big achievement, you’ll want to take steps to protect your investment and take care of critical maintenance tasks. Below, we’ve shared a list of things to do in the first year after buying your first home.
What to Do in the First Year After Buying a Home
Unless you bought a new construction home, someone probably lived in your space before you. That being said, their ideals and preferences may be different from yours. Therefore, you’ll want to set aside some time to attend to basic cleaning tasks, maintenance, and upgrades. Here are some projects you may want to consider tackling in the first year after moving into your new home:
1. Deep Cleaning
Before buying new furniture, consider giving your home a good deep cleaning. Dust settles in cracks, crevices, and places that aren’t always easy to find. You’ll want to scan each room from top to bottom and make a list of every task that needs attending. Don’t forget to open up all your closets, drawers, and cabinets and clean those too!
2. Painting
Nothing freshens up a home like a fresh coat of paint! Painting your home will not only make it look newer and tidier but also make it feel more like your own.
3. Window Coverings
Find some stylish new window coverings to create privacy for your home and control light. Blinds, curtains, and window films are just some of the many options you can choose from.
4. Landscaping
Liven up your landscaping and attend to exterior maintenance. Make sure to trim back all tree branches and bushes that are too close to your home. To spruce up the landscaping, consider planting some new flowers or adding a couple of planters and lounge chairs to your patio.
5. Update Fixtures
A quick way to give your home an updated look is to replace old fixtures. Switch out old door knobs, light fixtures, and handles for ones that are newer and more in line with today’s trends.
6. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Don’t forget to prioritize your safety. Shortly after buying your first home and moving in, you’ll want to test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. That way, you’ll know that they are working properly.
7. Routine Maintenance
Tend to routine maintenance tasks that may have been neglected like caulking, new weather stripping, cleaning your gutters, and having your furnace checked.
8. Minor Upgrades
Once you’ve gotten all the maintenance all the way, you can shift your focus to upgrades that will make your home more comfortable and livable. Even minor improvements like replacing a bathroom vanity or buying a new appliance can make a big difference!
Ready to Move Forward with Buying Your First Home?
Have you been waiting for the right opportunity to move forward with buying your first home? Let us help! Call today to speak to an expert about home financing options.
