10 Things To Do When You Move Into a New Home
Congratulations! You’ve bought a new home. Move in, get comfortable and check off the items on this list for your personal security and preparedness.
- If you haven’t already, set up your utilities. Call your water, electric, gas, sewer and garbage companies to start your services.
- Update your address of important documents, like your driver’s license, credit card, banks and subscriptions, to name just a few, and make sure your mail is being forwarded from your old address to your new home.
- Change all of your locks. Call a locksmith out to get new locks in place. You never know who could have access to a spare of the original locks. Also, consider whether a security system is necessary for you and your family.
- Reset codes, like garage openers and gates. Similar to locks, you don’t know where a code might be floating around or who might have access to them.
- Test fire and carbon monoxide detectors or install ones if there aren’t any. Make sure the batteries are fresh and ready to go.
- Change your air filters to ensure better airflow and lower your home’s energy usage. Also, make sure to change your air filter every three months.
- Get a fire extinguisher for your kitchen and each floor of your home. Better safe than sorry!
- Find your circuit box and label each breaker, so you’re not guessing if a problem comes up.
- Find gas and water shut-off valves in case of a gas leak or a pipe breaks so you can handle the problem right away.
- Check that everything on your inspection report was addressed. If they weren’t, reach out to your REALTOR® to let them know.
Then, get comfortable, set up your new space and have piece of mind knowing your new space is ready for you!
5 Home Renovations That Add Home Value
Not all home projects are created equal, and some add more value to your home than others. Here are the top value adding home renovations to pay for upfront, for more payoff down the line.
Kitchen Renovations
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Remodeling Impact Survey, not only are kitchen remodels the most appealing projects to buyers, but they are also the most likely to add value to the home for resale.
In fact, this report states there is a 59% ROI on this project.
Basement Updates
Are you looking to gain more functionality for your home and family? Renovating your basement into a living area may be the best option for you. This project will improve your joy while you live in the home, and will have pay off when you sell it.
This may be a more costly renovation according to NAR’s Remodeling Impact Survey. The report states there is a 64% ROI on this project.
Wood Flooring
The flooring may be one surface that gets worn out the fastest from foot traffic, dirt, scratching and more. It may also be one of the best features to upgrade in your home, as it tends to pay for itself!
According to NAR’s Remodeling Impact Survey, 106% of the value of this project is recovered when the home is sold. Even if you’re not looking to fully replace your flooring, the report states this project will provide a 100% ROI to your bottom line. It’s a win-win!
Bathroom
If you have a two to three-bedroom home and only two bathrooms, adding an additional half bathroom is great to consider. Going from two bedrooms to two and a half bathrooms will add 10.5% in value to your home.
While you’re living in your home, adding an extra bathroom may add peace of mind that surpasses the money you’ll spend on the bathroom itself by avoiding arguments and stress caused by sharing bathroom time.
New Roofing
Putting a new roof on your home is a money saver in multiple ways. Not only is the ROI high on this project, up to 109%, but you will also save on your energy bill too. A new roof will reduce cooling costs, add curb appeal, protect again home damage like water and much more!
16 Helpful Inspection Report Questions For Buyers
Congratulations, your offer has been accepted! You now have entered the attorney review period. Typically, a home inspection is scheduled within five days of the accepted offer. An inspection report is an inspector’s documented recommendations and observations of the property’s potential need for repairs. Remember, your inspector’s job is to find any reasonably discoverable issues in your home.
While inspections are not mandatory, we highly recommend utilizing this affordable resource so you can continue through the buying process as informed as possible. The inspection report can be intimidating! We put together prompts to help you feel empowered to ask everyone on your “team” actionable questions.
Questions you should ask your REALTOR®:
- Do you have any reputable inspectors you would recommend?
- What are three things you advise I look out for in particular?
- Will you be able to attend the inspection with me?
- What are common issues or challenges to see in this property type?
- In your opinion, what are the most important repairs I should focus on or prioritize?
- [in the case of a short-sale] When should we schedule the appraisal?
Questions you should ask your inspector:
- What do you check and what don’t you check?
- How soon after the inspection will I receive the inspection report?
- Are you available for follow-up calls if I have questions about the report?
- Are there any issues of note on the seller’s property disclosure statement?
Questions you should ask your attorney:
- From the seller’s perspective, what requests are they likely to push back on and what are they likely to consider?
- How many requests is too many?
- Should I ask for a credit or should I ask for a warranty?
Questions you should ask yourself:
- How much repair am I comfortable taking on myself?
- What are my priorities?
- What items am I willing to give up on during the negotiation?
In the end, the inspection report is another tool in your homebuying toolbelt. If you’re feeling anxious, your REALTOR® is always available to provide perspective and experience.
