1. Calling a repair person with the wrong specialty
This is the most common mistake committed by first-time homebuyers. One way to avoid this is by doing some research beforehand. Try to gain a rudimentary understanding of what’s wrong, so you can explain the problem over the phone. This will help you avoid any confusion about the extent of work that needs to be done, and it will also help ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job.
2. Blindly hiring contractors
There are a million ways for home upgrades and repair projects to go wrong, and one of the best ways to avoid this is by making sure whichever contractor you hire has a long list of glowing reviews. Always ask for recommendations.
3. Not budgeting for new expenses
While you might have your mortgage and utility bills under control, there are a lot of other expenses that come with homeownership that you’ll want to plan for as well. This includes homeowners association fees, homeowners insurance, regular maintenance fees, and property tax. Also, request the seller’s utility bills for the last year or so.
4. Ignoring routine maintenance
One thing a lot of first-time homeowners overlook is a simple fact that they’ll have to do routine maintenance.
Keep a recurring list of preventive maintenance tasks. Equipment, appliances, building materials, fixtures, finishes, and landscaping are all things that need preventive maintenance to make sure the home is operating efficiently, which will save you money in the long run.
5. Making home improvements too soon
When you get into a new home, it can be tempting to start filling it with all of your dream furnishings and start on expensive remodeling projects. Your vision for your house will likely change, especially the longer you live in it so take your time and understand how you actually use each space and what you ultimately want from it.
6. Not winterizing your home
Unless you live in Florida, chances are you’ll have some light winterizing to do around your new home before cold weather hits.
Whether that means draining pipes of water to avoid freezing temperatures or adding insulation to save on heating, these are some of the most important seasonal chores you’ll ever do as a homeowner.
7. Assuming you and your partner are on the same page
Becoming a first-time homeowner with someone puts a whole new twist on the relationship, which is why it’s so important to keep good communication throughout the process, and especially in those first few months.
Information Provided by Reatltor.com