Tips for New Homeowners

Here are some final tips to make life as a new homeowner more secure.

Saving

Many unexpected expenses arise such as getting a roof fixed, buying a new water heater or even fixing window glass. For all this you need money. Right after the homeowner ship start an emergency fund or save in the bank so that you don’t get off guard at time of need.

·         Regular maintenance

Perform regular maintenance of the house. Take excellent care of the house as you have put huge amount of money in it. Fix and mend the broken things before they damage too much.

·         Housing Market

There is absolutely no reason to check the housing market if you don’t want to sell the house. You have just bought a house, live in it for few solid years before making the selling decision.

·         Don’t sell your home for your retirement

Continue to save the maximum in your retirement savings accounts each year. If you want to look at your home as a source of wealth in retirement, consider that once you've paid off your mortgage, the money that you were spending on monthly payments can be used to fund some of your living and medical expenses in retirement.

Home Landscaping before Selling

Landscaping and curb appeal are important factors to capture the interest of a homebuyer from the start. According to a 2013 National Association Survey 71 percent of homebuyers are drawn towards curb appeal as they are to the house architecture and design. ROI can be maximized up to 400% with this simple ruling. If a home isn’t beautiful from the outside, many buyers won’t even go in.

While repairing the hooks and crooks of the house we often neglect the outdoor areas. They receive our tiniest bit of attention only when we clean them. What surrounds the home is as important as what is in it. A well-designed landscape can complement your home's architecture and design, and the right plants, flowers and shrubbery can greatly enhance your curb appeal by adding color, texture and even fragrance to your yard.

Here are things to consider with your landscaping:

·         Start the landscaping projects a year ahead because it takes time.
·         Manicure the front lawn and built a stone paved pathway
·         Make sure your downspouts are functional and clear; go for areas where water pools in the rain.
·         Fences and hedges are in tip top conditions. Fix wobbly or loose fences and trim the hedges.
·         Replant if necessary or take measures to keep the existing plants in healthy conditions. Root out dead or dying plants, trees and flowers. Trim the shrubs in latest style.
·         Grow vines on walls.
·         Take special care of backyard. Add backyard deck or patio.

·         Add fountains, lighting and garden showers.