The American dream

You have finally done it. All the hard work, of saving, scrimping, and working hard, has paid off. You now own your own home. No more landlords, telling you what you can and can't do. No upstairs, or downstairs neighbors making too much noise. There is nothing quite like owning your own home, to do with whatever you want.

You are ready to claim your home as your own!

There is great pride in being able to make changes to your own home. If you start with the inside, you are likely looking to repaint the interior. Make sure to consult with the paint specialists at your local stores. If possible, take some pictures of problem areas so they can give you advice. You may need to apply primer first if you want to cover a darker color already there. The same goes for lighting. Seek the help of a professional before changing out fixtures. Some lighting may require more electrical use then that room can provide. It's nice to be a do-it-yourself kind of person, but some things are better left to professionals. This site gives a little explanation about electrical problems. 

What about the outside?

Nothing makes you feel better than pulling up to a beautifully manicured lawn, and home with great curb appeal. If your home did not already have it, you want to achieve it. This can mean ripping out the old landscape and digging up new garden areas. Always remember to be careful when digging. It is recommended to call your local utilities to see where wires and plumbing are buried. This is a site that explains what happens. Nothing is worse than having to deal with the extra unforeseen costs of having to repair such things. Sometimes it is best to hire a landscaper who will do all that legwork for you.

Problems happen!

So, now you know some of the pitfalls that can happen, but it does not stop there. Owning your own home means having to pay to fix things yourselves. No more calling the landlord or property manager, and sitting back while they get it fixed. It all falls on you, the homeowner. The previous problems are usually covered by your homeowner's insurance, but what about things that are not. This can be your air conditioning unit, washer/dryer, oven, or refrigerator. You may not have any extra money to get them fixed. So what do you do?

Get a warranty!

A Warranty? Yes, a home warranty, or shield. No matter where you live, there are options. If you live in New Jersey, look up home warranty there. If you live in Arizona, look up home warranty in Arizona, and on and on, according to where you live. Costs can range anywhere from about $27.00 a month and up, depending on coverage costs. This really is not bad considering the peace of mind that comes with it. What is the main bill payer is off on a business trip when something happens. All you have to call your warranty person and they handle it from there. Check this site for the top ten warranty providers. This is just an example, you can do your own research.

The joys of home ownership!

Don't let the previous paragraphs scare you. These are just some things to be aware of and to make the transition a little easier and let you know what could happen. This is just to make you prepared and make life easier. The joys of owning your own home far outweigh any little obstacle you may face along the way. Enjoy making your new home, your own little slice of heaven. Have fun making it just the way you imagined!