Your search for the right home has finally ended after months of searching.Congratulations on your first home purchase! It is one of the most rewarding experiences to acquire a home.

While many first-time buyers are excited, they are also anxious about how to adjust to living like a homeowner. Homeownership is synonymous with endless upkeep, financial commitments and other responsibilities that are not necessary when renting.

We have come together to provide the following tips for new clients to homeownership.

1.You Should Change All The Locks In Your New Home

When you purchase a pre-owned home, it is extremely recommended to replace your doors' locks and other access points.

The previous homeowners must hand over all keys they have, but it is impossible to know what number of copies were made and who has a copy of the keys. Possibly they forgot to give copies to friends or family members, or there could be one lying at the bottom of their purse. It's just another security level for you and your family to enjoy while in your new home.

Be sure to get duplicate keys made when you have new locks installed and give copies to your close family and friends in case of an emergency.

2. Find a Trustworthy Handyman

To help with home projects, you need to find a reliable and trustworthy handyman. Handymen need to be able to handle a range of home service tasks. Once you move in, you'll need someone to assist with various tasks, such as hanging artwork and installing light fixtures. 

3.Provide Shade by Planting Trees

Planting shade trees along the exterior of your home can help you save money on cooling bills (and improve your landscaping as well). During the summer, shade trees reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home, keeping it cooler. Additionally, trees boost your home's air quality. 

4.Get the House Clean and Painted Before Moving in

It is recommended that you hire a professional cleaning service before you move your belongings into your new home so that they will be thoroughly, deeply cleaned. The previous homeowners were unlikely to have had the opportunity to do this before you moved in (unless it was part of the contract). Once you get a deep clean done, you can rest easy knowing all surfaces have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before you begin moving things around and using them daily.

It is also highly recommended that you paint any rooms or areas in your new home before moving in if you would like. In this way, the need to work around your furnishings and to deal with paint fumes in your current living space is minimized. If you paint your new home before moving in, you can start making memories right away in a clean, fresh space.

5.Put Your Home Inspection Report To Good Use

When buying a home, a home inspection should always be performed prior to signing the contract. An inspection gives you an idea of the home's condition and any pre-existing or potential problems that might need to be addressed in the weeks and months following the purchase. Even though a home inspection does not guarantee you won't run into issues after buying the home, it still provides peace of mind to the buyer.

Following the inspection, the inspector will provide you with a report that summarizes his findings. As a personal guide, this can be used to handle any immediate problems you encounter in your home and any smaller or larger repairs that need to be done. Review this report and make the necessary fixes throughout your home.

6.Set up a maintenance schedule and find professionals you can trust

Once you become a homeowner, you will have to maintain your home regularly, perform repairs, and perform other maintenance tasks. Despite the fact that maintenance can seem endless, it doesn't have to be a negative experience. If you establish a home maintenance schedule, you can feel confident in the condition of your house and prevent major problems from arising.

Some maintenance tasks are best left to the professionals even though most of them can be performed by homeowners. Establishing a relationship with a trusted professional for your home systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, can greatly benefit you. Referrals from friends, family, and neighbours in the area may help you find a reliable company and begin building a relationship with them.

7. Establish friendships with your neighbors

The friends and neighbours you have at your new home play a crucial role in your life, whether you realize it. The benefits of having neighbours that you enjoy and maybe even trust can be considered in the long run. If you are out of town, they can keep an eye on your home and maybe even help in an emergency. However, an unpleasant neighbour can leave you feeling frustrated and uneasy. So whenever you move into a new home, please introduce yourself to your neighbours and cultivate a relationship with them.

8. Set up an Emergency Fund When Your Budget Settles

Buying a new home isn't cheap. It almost certainly took a long time to save up for a down payment, closing costs, legal fees, moving costs, etc. As you settle into your new home, there are new costs you need to consider. You must allow yourself time to adjust to your new financial requirements, including mortgage payments, utility bills, maintenance costs, and other expenses.

Spend time establishing your new budget and rebuilding your savings. Make sure you have an emergency fund on hand at all times. Emergency repairs, such as a broken furnace or malfunctioning water heater, can be made with this option.

9. Put off renovations

No matter how tempting it may seem, you should resist the urge to move in and start personalizing everything. As we mentioned above, you should take time to become familiar with your new financial situation. The cost of remodelling and renovating can be high, and can often exceed expectations.

Additionally, you should move into the home as it is for a few months before deciding what kind of changes you would like to make. Perhaps a design that seems odd fits your lifestyle and home best.

Don't take on multiple renovation projects at once. Focus on one at a time and complete it completely. It is easy to start a new project, lose interest in your last, or overlook it altogether. Home improvements like a fresh coat of paint, new trim, and caulking can truly elevate the aesthetic of your house.

10. Understand how You use Energy

Being a homeowner means you have to pay each and every utility bill that comes your way. Your energy bill is often the largest expense you have in your home. When you understand your energy consumption and costs, you can adjust your habits and make small changes that will save you a lot of money. 

11. Consult a Tax Professional

There are several tax credits and rebates available to first-time home buyers and home buyers in Ontario. Credits and rebates can give you substantial money back during tax season. It is good to consult a tax professional to find out which programs you qualify for and which you may not be aware of. Even if you generally do your taxes, you should consult a professional to maximize any opportunities you qualify for.

Looking To Buy A Home In The Niagara Region?

Are you planning to buy a home located in the Niagara Region? Since the pandemic has caused many people to rethink their futures in the GTA, many first time home buyers are departing for more affordable, vibrant Ontario regions. Niagara Region is a wonderful place to live. Those who enjoy friendly communities, beautiful natural landscapes, and the occasional glass of wine will love this place. If you're new to the market or an experienced buyer, a local Real estate agent in Niagara like Davids & DeLaat may assist. They are a team of local realtors that are brimming with experience in the real estate industry.