Being a homeowner is the dream of many across the country and, indeed, worldwide. Numerous benefits come along with owning your very own property, from security to have an asset that appreciates in value the longer you use it! However, there are some things that you should know about being a homeowner, especially if you happen to live in communal areas like apartments, gated communities, or condos. This post will explain some of the main aspects to consider that will make your life more fulfilling in your property and enjoy it for years to come.
Expenses Don’t End At The Purchase
Depending on where you live, you might have to pay extra fees to a homeowners association (HOA). These don’t count if you live in a common residential area, but if you own an apartment or a home inside a gated community, you may be required to pay monthly fees for HOA services. The HOA typically collects dues from homeowners each month or year. These dues can include maintenance fees, funds for community projects, and other HOA-related expenses. An HOA is typically made up of homeowners, but it can also include renters and other property owners. HOAs work to ensure that all the homes in a given community are maintained equally and that the rules set by the community are followed.
Always Get Insurance
House insurance is a must if you value your belongings. You never know when disaster might strike and can be seen without recent tornadoes that ripped through several states across the nation; the damage can be swift and absolute. While you might never get back precious memories and the insurance cannot pay for the hassle of rebuilding, it can give you financial peace of mind. You should ensure that you get coverage for disasters, general house damage such as leaking, etc., and theft.
Invest In A Good Heating Or Cooling System
No matter where you live, it is likely to be hot or cold, or at least get somewhere near those temperatures at some point. Living in a house too hot is stifling, and living in one too cold is depressing. Therefore, you should invest in an efficient system to do one of those things well. If you happen to live in a state with a range of extremes (looking at you, Colorado), you will just have to bite the bullet and invest in a system that can do both things well. However, if you combine this point with the next, you could find your bills are far lower than you thought otherwise.
Save Money By Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
There are a few reasons you should invest in making your house more energy-efficient. If you want to save money, this is an easy way to do so. But it doesn’t stop at just saving money. Making your home more energy efficient will also improve the quality of life for you and your family while cutting down on the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere. It’s a win-win situation, and you save money to boot! Some things to consider are increasing the amount of insulation in your walls and attic space and even investing in a set of slate panels to provide you energy no matter what the situation.
Invest In A Great Security System
The second point on this list was about purchasing excellent insurance coverage in case of emergency. That section briefly touched upon that your coverage should also include theft, break-ins, etc. There are some insurance providers, however, who require you to install a top-of-the-line security system before they cover you. Even though this may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is worth it regardless of insurance. These systems can alert your neighbors if anything is untoward occurring, and the best ones will even notify law enforcement or at least a private security company.
Know Where Your Water Shut Off Valve It
This is arguably the most vital point on this list. If you take away only one thing, let it be this! By knowing the location of your water shut-off valve, you will save yourself a tremendous amount of hassle if anything goes awry with your plumbing. Imagine if you spring a leak and don’t know how to turn it off. You will be at the mercy of a costly plumber and have to pay for an emergency call out…usually several hundred dollars per call out., all for them to simply turn your water off.
Keep Your Gutters Clear Of Debris
Keeping your gutters clean and tidy will allow water to flow freely to where it is supposed to flow to. The more debris accumulates, the more likely it will be that you will face severe issues with leaking and perhaps even water damage. If rainwater and snow cannot flow away from your property, it will inevitably find a route inside, which is something you really don’t want to happen. It’s easy to do either by getting a ladder and removing the debris once in a while or hiring someone to do it for you.
Make Your Bedroom An Oasis Of Tranquility
Your bedroom is where you relax after a hard day at work and someplace where you unwind and decompress. Therefore, you should make an extra effort to get it exactly how you like it. If you live with a partner or spouse, this might end up in compromise, but that’s OK. As long as it is a comforting space, you will be able to drift off to sleep effortlessly and wake fully rested, ready for the day ahead!
Be A Considerate Neighbor
Part of owning property is having neighbors. Unless you live out in the sticks and have a large farm, you will be stuck with those who live in and around the neighborhood. Therefore, it makes sense to get to know them and stay on good terms. After all, you can’t get rid of your neighbor, and having an enemy next door can make life pretty hellish.
Remember to have fun as a homeowner. It takes time to get used to having a house but getting it is worthwhile. As you get further into homeownership, you’ll begin to figure out the general cost associated with it, but if you take your time and invest in the right areas, you will be safe, happy, and enjoy those who live nearby.