One of the most exciting times in your life is when you finally buy your first home. It’s a huge financial investment, but well worth it for many people. Not only does it alleviate the burden of finding places to rent that will accept your pets, but you can also personalize your space to make it feel like home. With paint, fixtures, and maybe new appliances, you can make your home feel cozy and welcoming for guests.
However, there are some practical things to consider before you move in to ensure that your new home is safe and that your financial interests are secured. While getting a mortgage requires homeowners’ insurance, there are other things you’ll want to consider as you make the big step into homeownership. To help make sure everything goes smoothly when you move in, here are six must-haves for first time home owners:
Home Warranty
Speaking of repairs, home warranty coverage is a must-have for new homeowners. It often covers repairs and replacement of plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, appliances, roofing, siding, windows, and doors. While they aren’t cheap, they are often rolled into the cost of the home, as a gift from your real estate agent, or they are paid for by the seller. A home warranty can cover those things that come up in the first 3-5 years of owning your home and can make repairs so much cheaper.
Tools
Be prepared. A toolbox or a tool belt is a must-have for the first-time homeowner. Whether you need a hammer, some screwdrivers, or something more substantial, make sure you invest in some quality tools. Some people like to DIY certain home repairs and the right tools make all the difference in the world. Having these on hand can make it much less frustrating when you need to tighten bolts, install new light fixtures, and more.
Step Ladder
A good step ladder is a must-have for any home. Step ladders are the best way to reach high places, whether they’re in your garage or your entryway. You can buy step ladders that can fold up, making them easier to store and transport from the garage into the house. These are great for lower ceilings. You can also get an extension ladder if you need to change out light bulbs in your tall entryway or for when you need to clean out the gutters on your house.
Fire Safety Devices
Before you move in make sure you have smoke detectors that work in all the right places. You’ll want them in bedrooms, hallways, and any high place. Additionally, fire extinguishers in the kitchen can be a literal lifesaver. You may also need carbon monoxide detectors if your home uses natural gas for heat, cooking, etc.
Pet Insurance
You’ve finally moved somewhere that doesn’t care if you have 3 dogs, a cat, 2 lizards, and a bunny. That is fantastic. But whether you have one pet or seven, you’ll want to consider pet insurance as an important financial investment. Since buying a new home means that you’ll now have repairs to be financially responsible for, you don’t want to run into a situation where one of your pets needs care at the same time your furnace goes out and you’re having to choose between freezing in the winter or losing your furry friend.
Is pet insurance worth it? Well, for many people, pets are part of your family, and pet insurance is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It can help when big things come up like an accident or major illness. That way you won’t need to divert funds from your new home repair account and you can still get the care your pet needs.
Flashlights
When the power goes out, you don’t want to be left in the dark. Have a flashlight for the bedrooms and then keep one in a spot like a kitchen for times when the lights go out. You’ll also want to be sure to keep working batteries in your flashlights and keep some spares in a public spot.
Conclusion
As a first-time homeowner, it can be overwhelming to figure out everything you need. While paint and new flooring are probably occupying most of your shopping lists, don’t forget about the things that keep you safe and protect your financial investment in your home.
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