Becoming a first-time homeowner is challenging yet rewarding. You made it through the realtors, negotiations and paperwork, and now you can finally call the space you’ve been working hard for your own.
As you transform your new house into a home, knowing the right steps to solidify your stay is essential for a great time in your new place.
Don’t pay too much for certain home renovations
Settling into your home first before starting major home renovations gives you time to determine which repairs are a priority.
It also gives you time to find great deals on contractors and materials to start your project. Spending too much money on knee-jerk renovations can take away from home repairs needing to be done sooner.
Remember additional expenses
After purchasing your home, budget finances for additional costs of living. Keeping track of these expenses helps you to budget finances in preparation of these additional expenses.
These include property taxes, utilities, repair costs and more. If you took out a mortgage loan, your loan provider may require you to purchase homeowners insurance. It’s an extra monthly expense, but it serves to protect your personal property.
Use home DIY carefully
An occasional dose of a good DIY project is fun and encourages creativity. However, some projects are best left to the professionals.
For example, if you notice a leak under your kitchen sink, wrapping the pipes with tape may seem like a good solution to resolve the problem. However, this fix is temporary and may result in additional issues down the road. Getting professional help can solve the problem fast and prevent additional damages.
After you settle into your new home, it’s important to take a moment to breathe. Figuring out your budget and choosing your projects carefully, you’ll avoid some of the most common issues new homeowners face.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
