You've gone through the process of searching for your dream home. You've packed up the boxes, closed on the deal and moved in. Now what? It's time to settle in and enjoy your new home! We asked around the office to find out what their best tips for a new homeowner would be and here's what our Bozeman real esate agents came up with...
1. CHECK AND REPLACE THE FURNACE FILTERS
This is something easy to forget when you are caught up with moving into your new home, but it's an important one! The furnace filters are critical to keep up the performance of your HVAC system AND for your home's air quality. Indoor air pollution can be a big environmental health risk and this simple step can reduce it. When to change the air filters varies from home to home and can depend on whether you have pets or allergies (then you should replace more often). The best rule of thumb? Check the filter, if it's dirty it's time to replace it. So, before you get settled into your new home, give the air filter a check!
2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME
Your home is an investment and an asset and it's important to remember this. Regular maintenance and care of all the home's systems will ensure you get the best performance from your investment. Keep this in mind for the lawn and landscaping of your home as well, caring and improving on these things can add value.
3. SET UP UTILITIES IN YOUR NAME
This one you probably thought of and hopefully already did before the move, but if you didn't make sure to change utilities into your name right away! Power, water, Internet, cable, garbage should all be on your list of things to change over. And, don't forget a change of mailing address at your post office so you don't miss any important mail!
4. IMPROVEMENTS
One of our favorite tips from an agent was to try to make one improvement to your home or property each year. Maybe new flooring, custom paint, exterior improvements...one small project a year can really add value to your home. What else is there to do in the middle of January in Montana? Perfect home improvement time!
5. GET A HOME INSPECTION
This is technically a tip for before you close on your home, but important enough we thought we should include it here. Every home has its problems and a home inspection gives you an idea of what you are dealing with so you can make a game plan.
6. CHECK SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Test these things to ensure they are working properly right after you move in. If there isn't a carbon monoxide detector, it should be one of the first purchases for your new home. Make sure they all have batteries in them and you have extra batteries on hand. It's Murphy's Law the smoke detector battery will die in the middle of the night and you will wake up to that annoying chirp letting you know. The last thing you want is to have to listen to it all night because you don't have a battery!
7. START A HOME FILE
Create a file folder for all the important documents for your new home. Keep receipts for repairs, maintenance and upgrades for tax purposes or when you go to sell your home. Most homes appreciate in value and you can add your annual maintenance and upgrade expenses to your purchase cost to minimize your capital gains tax when you sell your home.
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