West Cleveland Suburbs ~ Home Buyer Tips ~ #8 - Take care of the little things, so they don't become BIG things
Home Buyer Tip #8 of the Top 10 Tips To Take the Stress Out of Homebuying:
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
One of the first things I've noticed, with every house I've ever owned, is the amount of time I spend at the hardware store. Twenty years ago, it was Forest City, then Builder's Square, then...hmmm...I forget which was next. But now it's The Home Depot!
Once you have the keys to your dream house in your hot little hand, the first thing you'll do is go to the hardware store and buy new locks. Then curtains, if the house doesn't have them. You don't want everyone
driving by and watching as you're removing wallpaper and painting and such.
And don't forget the "you might want to take care of these someday" list your home inspector gave you. No, you don't have to do everything the week you move in, but please do create a "Home Maintenance" budget. I even had a special bank account set up!
You see, it's easy to let certain tasks slide after you've set up housekeeping, but they can come back to haunt you once it's your turn to sell. Because now your future buyer has their home inspector in tow, and as you know the transaction will go much more smoothly...and you'll save tons of money...if there aren't a lot of maintenance items to take care of at the last minute.
So you might want to place a Piggy Bank next to the "Honey Do" jar on the kitchen counter...just in case!
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