Purchasing a house is not an easy task, especially if you are a first-time buyer. It involves strenuous efforts to put together and implement the plan. From selecting the architecture to fixing the broken doors and bringing in new furniture, it requires much work. Also, to settle down with what each member of the family wants poses a challenge too. Then, all of it has to be done within a specific, reasonable budget.
The task seems even more difficult to achieve in Los Angeles, which is, inarguably, a highly competitive marketplace. With the home prices skyrocketing, anyone who secures a residence in even a moderate neighborhood of the city should feel lucky. The situation, due to the lock-down, has made things even more difficult.
So, if you have managed to defy these odds to buy a new house, you have indeed surmounted an uphill challenge. After all, you have finally materialized your dream, and now you should be able to feel good about it and cherish the moments. But, the actual task begins after you have bought your house, which is to transform it as per your wishes and desires. In this article, we’ll put forth some essential tips that you can use to make the most of your experience. So let’s discuss them in chronological order.
- SEEK A MAJOR MAKEOVER
No new house is worth living without some customization. Firstly, this is because making modifications at a later stage gets difficult altogether. For instance, delaying a paint job for a later time may just add to the hassle. The same goes for the cleaning and fumigation process. But the makeover usually concerns the major changes, such as those related to the architecture. Many new homeowners seek to convert their garage to a living space or a rental Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). It is essential to make the right choice as a minor mistake can ruin your home’s appearance. To have it done properly, you will need to hire a competent builder. And ADU Builder in Los Angeles can do this job for you professionally.
- MAKE IT SECURE
As the owner of a new, hard-earned home, you should not leave any stone unturned to ensure its safety and security. Whether it is about installing security cameras or fire alarms, you should take every possible step to safeguard your property. In this regard, it is important to look around your house and replace any faulty door locks too. Likewise, if there is an appliance that needs replacement, do so immediately.
- SET UP EMERGENCY FUND
Setting up your savings right after handing over the entire cash for the home may seem difficult. But, if you think about it, it is as necessary as any other major aspect. Save as much as you can for that rainy day. The savings, besides other benefits, will come in handy to cover the gradual expenses after moving. These may include paving the pathway for the guests or improving the lighting arrangements, such as installing some lanterns at the entrance.
- NOTIFY YOUR ADDRESS
It may seem like a conventional step, but overlooking it may spell trouble. You will need to notify your address with the authorities to ensure the necessary changes in the documentation. Notifying your address is also necessary to continue to receive those important letters in the mailbox. Importantly, notifying will also save your family or friends from a hassle in locating your residence.
- CRAFT A MAINTENANCE PLAN
The last thing you would want in your home is not to take measures for its maintenance. If you want to avoid frequent renovation or repairs, you must maintain a regular and proper schedule for the upkeep. Noting down the changes that are needed for an uplift may seem like a hassle at first, but it will benefit you in the long-term. Whether it is a faucet that needs repair or replacement or the bushes that need some trimming, timely measures will keep your property’s value intact. Over-time, you will feel the maintenance effort is paying off, especially if you’re renting out a unit, such as a garage.
- HAVE ADEQUATE COVERAGE
Some homeowners make the mistake of ignoring the homeowners’ insurance, but end up paying dearly. Firstly, if you do not have coverage, it affects the process of moving. It seems difficult to even think about damage to the new sofa or precious glass furniture. It is also imperative to check with your insurance agent about any new discounts. If you don’t inquire about the bundling offer, the chances are that you will miss some good discounts. Another idea to be properly covered is to buy some warranties, as these will be sufficient for the smaller expenses.
- AVOID DEBT AT ALL COSTS
Your mortgage payment is the first and foremost thing to take care of after moving into your new house. If you have any property loan due, pay maximum attention to the repayment deadlines and terms. As soon as you close the deal, you should expect to get some financing offers too. While signing up for a new credit card or borrowing a loan may be tempting, it can have its drawbacks. Instead of buying a new piece of furniture right away, delay the spending for a couple of weeks. You can proceed with these expenses once you feel there is no risk of going under debt and risking your savings.
THE TAKEAWAY
Buying your property is one of the most cumbersome tasks to come across. It begins with a tough and thorough search for the right house and the neighborhood. Settling with the right price can be a major challenge. However, once you get through these stages, it is important to take steps to preserve the value and status of your house. A few simple but important measures, such as a garage conversion, can help transform the look of your residence. Your safety, maintenance, and timely loan repayments will provide peace of mind and allow you to enliven every moment that you spend in the house.
