Congratulations! You are the proud owner of YOUR new home! You will experience many years of enjoyment here and make so many memories. Hopefully, with your purchase, you received a one year Home warranty. This will alleviate the headaches of monetary emergencies. If your heatpump decides to quit working, then you call the warranty company. If your water pump goes bad, then call your warranty company. Yes, its that easy! With a good Home Warranty, the first year of living in your home can be a little less stressful, and your dollars can be spent in decor, not maintenance.
As a new homeowner, you will receive your deed after recordation. Since this was the instrument that made the home “yours”, and its the instrument recorded in the City or County clerk’s office that puts the public on notice that the property is yours, you will want to make sure you put it in a safe place. Then, when the time comes, and you are ready to move to a new home, you will have it to be able to transfer the property to a new owner.
Recordkeeping can alleviate many other headaches as well. Keep all receipts when you upgrade items in your home. These can either be taken as expenses on your tax return, or you may be able to credit them against the sale when you move again. Either way, they will be come important at later dates. Also, take pictures of your home, both inside and out, for insurance purposes! Its very hard to remember all the little things in your home if you ever need to do so to file a claim. Pictures, especially, if they show dates can be valuable assets when you need them. Take pictures of each room and your furnishings, and put them in a fire retardant box, along with receipts and your deed.
In order to achieve the highest value of your home when you are ready to sell it, you must maintain the home well. Keep on top of little items that require attention. Plan long term for landscaping design, and also, for the more expensive repair or upgrade items such as heating systems, roof, or exterior siding.
Homeownership is rewarding and your home is your investment. Treat it like its your best friend, and that friendship will have its rewards ten times over. Happy new home to you!!
