Tips for a first-time homeowner?

[CottageHore]

Homeowners of ATRL, after years of saving the majority of my paychecks for a house, I finally am about to close on my first home. 
 

What are some things I should be aware of as I move in and start living in my first home, specifically as a single person? Are there any must haves I should be purchasing or things I should be doing?

 

For context, the house is 1600 sq ft and I got it for $220k. It's a classic looking home from the 1900s and gives Gilmore Girls vibes. I'm only gonna have a couple thousand leftover after closing and will continue to save up as much as I can until my first mortgage payment is due on Feb 1st.

[Reginald]

Congrats

Make sure to turn your window blinds at sunset, so the neighbors won't see you walking around with your junk out Also, have money set aside for potential repairs

[Bubble Tea]

Congrats legend. I own an apartment in what sounds to be an entirely different market (my apartment cost 3x what your house cost  in New Zealand dollars) so hard to know what advice is applicable. I guess just make sure you have money tucked away for unexpected repairs and issues? Cause things DO happen. YouTube is your friend for cost-effective DIY too.

[Rico Shameless v2]

Congratulations

 

As mentioned already and most obvious, keep saving at the same rate if you can for unexpected repairs and normal upkeep. Then do what you can if that becomes too much. One thing about owning a home people seem to overlook is there's no maintenance or lawn care if you don't hire them.

 

Hopefully you already did all the necessary inspections before closing, so there's no surprise mold or leaks, things of that nature. Keep money aside throughout the year for property taxes if they aren't rolled into your monthly.

 

Anything else will be up to you. Fencing for privacy, home security, necessary safeguards (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarm if you are operating gas), little projects to make it home etc.

[Hollywood.]

Make sure you have money saved away for potential repairs. They sneak up on you when you least expect it. 
 

Also if you live in an area that gets colder weather (winter) use the sunlight during the daytime to heat your home, and immediately close the blinds at night to keep the heat in. 
 

And reverse in the summer, block out windows during the daylight in the summer, and then have them open at night to keep it cooler. 
 

(Unless you have a fancy heating / air conditioning unit). 

[BlondGuts]

Be prepared for a bunch of junk mail for the first three months since home closing data is usually public

[BlondGuts]

Also do not get a home warranty. They are glorified scams. Just save that extra money monthly for unexpected repairs because things can and will happen inevitably. And it's never one thing. If you need a new fridge best believe the dryer will go out that same week lbvs

Edited 5 hours ago by BlondGuts