Homebuyer advice for the first few days after settlement.

9/9/2020




Laurel, Maryland: The papers are signed, the checks have been exchanged, and you are a new homeowner with keys in hand. This is an exciting and often scary time for homeowners because in the back of your mind, you know you are now responsible for home repairs, and maintenance. 

When it comes to keeping your home in proper condition, it’s time to perform an inspection and make sure that all repairs are kept up to date. It is also time to customize your new home and make improvements that can make the place “yours”. 

Here is our advice on the first home improvement steps a new homeowner should consider. 

1. Think about your technology. Before moving furniture in, think about the technology and which rooms might require electrical/ wiring. Install cable cable lines, running power/ hdmi in walls is much easier when the house is empty. Mounting a tv is usually a big thing, we recommend contacting Baltimore TV Mount, or Maryland TV Mount if in the MD/DC/VA area.

2. Paint. Congratulations, you are now a homeowner and however you want to customize your home, you can now do it. If you are considering adding a pop of color, doing this pre-move in makes the task easier so you don’t have to worry about moving furniture or dripping paint on personal items. For painting, we recommend a presale home improvement company.

3. Cleansing and extermination. Before moving in, hire a cleaning crew to professionally clean and rid your place of pests. This helps insure your home is clean, and you needn’t worry about the extermination chemicals while living in the home.

4. Develop a home maintenance plan. When purchasing a home, you likely had a home inspection which highlighted many items. This report can help you manage your home and it’s value goes beyond the time of purchasing the home. Make sure you keep on top of items such as driveway/ deck maintenance, roof and gutter inspections and cleaning, HVAC Tune-ups. Also use this report to develop a budget for large items which you know will eventually come (e.g. new appliances or roof at end of lifespan- these items costs thousands and will eventually need to be repaired).

5. Re-review your home inspection report. Home inspectors highlight many items that “need attention” but might have been negotiated out of the purchase deal. Make sure to address those items which were not repaired during your buying process.

6. Electric supply. I used to own a solar energy company. Regardless of whether you get solar panels, take time to review your options for all utilities. Cable and energy suppliers often offer many deals and you they vary from street to street. Find out what deals are available locally and consider signing an energy supply contract to reduce monthly energy costs.

7. Install LED bulbs, window shades, and other energy saving features. Now that you own a home, you have to pay the utilities. On day 1, I recommend you do whatever you can to reduce those costs. Especially during the move-in period, you will be using more energy as people are constantly going in and out of your home helping you get moved in.

8. Meet your neighbors. Often, when moving in you are caught up on the move. Make time to relax and meet your new neighbors. You bought more than a home, start finding your place in your community. 




Bottom line, you can relax. You have plenty of time and owning a home is more of a chess game where you can seek advice from others (including the home seller and home inspectors). Look around your new house and consider all options (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, painting, flooring, other inspections, etc)- then budget and plan accordingly. Nothing happens overnight and you can take your time to make the right moves.

Congratulation. 

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