6 Things No One Tells You About Buying Your First Home

Buying Your First Home?

Buying your first home is such an exciting process. Many of us have dreamt of being homeowners for years, but when the time to buy your first home finally comes, you’ll probably have a lot more questions than you thought. On top of not knowing everything because you’ve never gone through the process, there are many things which no one tells you about buying your first home! To reduce some of the stress from unexpected information, we’ve prepared a list of things you should know, which you probably haven’t been told.

It’s More Expensive Than You Think

Everyone knows buying a house is expensive, but there are many costs outside of a home’s purchase price which are overlooked. Such expenses include setting up utilities including water, power, internet, and other utilities which often require deposits. For first time home buyers there are also often many items you need to buy for your home. Some obvious things, like furniture, you’ve probably already thought about. However, there are many things you probably haven’t thought about like a lawnmower, curtains and blinds, a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, a fence, cleaning supplies, kitchen and cooking utensils, and more. 

It’s also important to anticipate major repairs for your home in the future. Set aside funds each month for unexpected repairs such as HVAC replacement, a new roof, exterior paint, and major landscaping projects for when the time comes. Lastly, you’ll also have to purchase home insurance which will be another monthly expense you can’t go without. 

You Must Get Pre-Approved

Before you start looking for houses, get pre-approved for a loan. This way, you know what your budget is. It’s important to note, you shouldn’t spend every penny you’re qualified for! There is no obligation to spend the full amount, but by getting prequalified you’ll simply know your maximum budget, and it’ll make the home-buying process quicker when you find one you want to make an offer on. 

You Can Slowly Furnish Your Home

If there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that furniture is expensive and necessary. However, keep in mind you don’t need to furnish your entire home all at once. Move in the furniture you already have, see how it fits in your space, and add more furniture as needed. The basic essentials you’ll probably need upon moving in are a couch for your living room, a bed for your bedroom, a kitchen table to eat at, and a dresser for somewhere to keep your clothes. Once you’ve got the basics, furnish the rest of your home room by room. It’s unrealistic for most of us to purchase every furniture piece all at once. Also, adding a few decorative pieces throughout your home will make it feel much more homey.

Your Offer

So you made an offer, that’s awesome! However, don’t hold your breath, especially not in this market. Just because you put in an offer doesn’t mean it’s going to be accepted. It’s crucial to not get ahead of yourself or set your hopes on one home in particular. Anything can happen in the process of purchasing your home, and things often quickly change. 

With the market as hot as it is now, you should also be prepared to compromise on your offer by either offering more money than the seller is asking or taking over all closing costs for the seller. Once the market slows down, you won’t have to compromise so much on your offer. Working with a good real estate agent is always helpful in knowing all your choices when making an offer on a home.

No House Is Perfect

Once your offer has been accepted, you’ll have to have a home inspection done. Don’t expect the house to come back with nothing that needs attention. Home inspectors are always going to find something because no house is perfect, not even new builds! Try to be flexible throughout the process. While you shouldn’t buy a home with too many negatives (unless you want a fixer-upper), you should make sure your expectations are realistic. 

Sometimes you can negotiate repairs with the sellers following the home inspection, so choose the ones that are most important to you, and request to have those issues fixed. It’s always good to keep a copy of the home inspection so you can work on getting the repairs made over time. 

You Need Regular Maintenance

Once you’re in your new home, it needs to be maintained! If a home is not maintained properly, you can experience structural damage, the need for lots of repairs, and even loss of value when you go to sell your home. Some areas that need special attention are your roof, insulation, siding, plumbing, and HVAC.

Sign Up for An HVAC Maintenance Plan

To sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan in the Tennessee Valley, contact Environmental Comfort Systems at (256) 308-0032. Our maintenance plans include two visits a year from our factory trained and certified technicians who’ll inspect your system, make any repairs necessary, and advise you on the best options to keep your family comfortable and healthy inside your home. You can count on us to provide you with the best HVAC services every time. 

Environmental Comfort Systems

We are your trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Decatur, AL. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful information regarding your HVAC system.