• Tweet

• Tweet

Buying a new home is exciting, and also a bit overwhelming. As you move into the new place, ideas of customization, home improvement, and repairs are flooding the to-do lists. So what are some good steps to begin with? And what can you do to lessen the stress, while getting everything done? Here are 10 steps for the first time buyer, so that moving, beginning home improvement, and adjusting to owning a home is manageable and simplified.

1. Don’t try to do everything at once. While everything will get done just as efficiently, don’t try to start numerous projects at the same time. Begin with the easiest one, and slowly work your way to more difficult ones.

2. Think about projects that would be easy to do if there wasn’t furniture in the way, such as painting, finishing floors, putting in new carpet, etc. and do those before you move in.

3. Don’t expect perfection quickly. Owning a home that you’re completely content with is often a long work in progress. Home improvements also take time. So moving in and wanting everything to look the way you want immediately could add to stress.

4. Tackle one room at a time. With the exception of painting before you move in, or putting in new carpet, all home improvements should be limited to one room. While it may seem easier to go ahead and do multiple rooms with the same materials, the truth is beginning construction in multiple rooms will leave your house a disaster, and your head spinning.

5. Don’t buy too much at once. It’s tempting to want new furniture, and remodel everything, but that’s expensive. Budget well, and take one project at a time so you don’t overspend and get into debt. Check out 10 Cheap Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value for more ideas.

6. Don’t over-personalize the home. Unless this is the home you’re going to live in for the rest of your life, keep in mind what the average buyer is going to want when you remodel. Stick with neutral paint colors, and try to take out your imprint on the house. The buyer needs to be able to envision themselves in that home, without distractions from your taste.

7. Don’t price out the neighborhood. Love granite countertops? Don’t we all. But if your home is in a humble working class neighborhood, chances are you’re not going to get your return on investment with granite. Instead, stick with the average remodeling materials of your neighborhood – you never want to be the cheapest or most expensive house on the block.

8. Look into green products. While you may or may not be environmentally focused, many green home improvements have tax credit incentives that may sweeten the deal and lower the price. After all, what’s the harm in paying less for green materials and saving energy?

9. Don’t procrastinate on maintenance. With your focus on home improvements and making the house your own, you may forget to perform the necessary maintenance in repairing your home. Putting off needed repairs can turn the whole project much bigger – and costlier.

10. Keep your receipts for the tax returns. Becoming a homeowner changes your tax return significantly. Every single improvement is also tax deductible, which comes in handy when you sell the home to maximize your tax-free earnings. For more tips on first-time home buying, check out MSN’s article here.

Was this article helpful? If so, please Retweet and be sure to subscribe to Mortgage News for more up to date information on home loans, home buying tips, and home improvement ideas!

Shopping for homeowners or auto insurance? Check out Ameriprise to see if you can save an average of $700 from switching!

 Printer Friendly Version