8 Steps for What to Do After Buying Your Home

Congratulations on making such an important decision, buying a new home!

However, after all the excitement of purchasing, it’s time to focus on what comes next. There are several things that need to be considered and organized in order to preserve and secure the new property. This blog will take you through the essential steps that every new homeowner should take in order to ensure a smooth transition into a new home and avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future.

Secure Your Home Insurance 
We can't stress enough how important it is to get insured. To protect themselves from any unforeseen situations (fire, theft, burglary, etc.), every homeowner must obtain home insurance. Consult with experts to find out suitable coverage that works best for your needs and budget.

Change the Locks 
Prior to moving in, it is recommended to replace all the locks with new ones and avoid using the previous owner's locks. You can never be sure of who still has keys to the property. It is essential to ensure that your new home provides maximum security for you and your family.

Update Your Address 
Update all your important documents such as your IDs, credit cards, driver's license, mail subscriptions, etc. with your new address. This process will ensure smoother and faster transactions in the future.

Clean and Repair
Before moving in, consider a deep cleaning, and repair any damages. A fresh, clean start will not only make you feel good but will also create an inviting and cozy atmosphere.

Make A Maintenance Plan 
The upkeep of your new home is critical in maintaining its value. Make a plan for regular maintenance tasks and set realistic goals. Preventive measures and repairs will help avoid more significant problems and expenses later on.

Install Home Security Systems 
Protect your family and property with security systems such as alarm systems, security cameras, or motion detectors. A monitored system can offer additional peace of mind to those worried about potential break-ins.

Meet Your Neighbors 
Creating a community and good relationships with your new neighbors can be essential. Building good connections with your neighbors can help with immediate problems which arise, as well as creating relationships which will last in the future.

Get To Know Your Home 
Take the time to understand your new home's electrical systems, plumbing systems, and HVAC, as well as any appliances. Knowing how your new home operates will help you detect any potential problems early on, and avoid future expenses and headaches.

In conclusion, by following these 8 essential steps you can move from the excitement of purchasing a new home into a smooth, and beneficial ownership experience. Once all of these steps are completed, you can begin to relax and enjoy the new home. Remember, it’s important to be organized, diligent and proactive from the get-go to ensure the best outcome for you and your family.

Get more tips on RISMedia.

Related Links

• Property Tax Appeal Decisions Are In: Now What?

• How Much Is Your Home Worth? The Intricacies of Determining Property Value

• People Want Less Expensive Homes – And Builders Are Responding

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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How Much Is Your Home Worth? The Intricacies of Determining Property Value

We all get a thrill when a home near ours sells for a nice juicy price, and we think maybe that’s what our property is worth, too.

But the truth is, what determines property value isn’t always a one-size-fits-all number.

Instead, property value is determined by everything from the year your home was built to its proximity to transportation to the number of bedrooms.

And experts say there are many more intricate details that buyers and sellers might not realize that influence value. So here are the little-known facts that go into determining property value.

Unseen location specifics

Appraisers will consider your home’s square footage, the number of bedrooms, and the size of the lot when determining your home’s value. And they will also note how much other homes similar in size in your area sold for. (These are known as comps, or comparable properties in your area.)

Yet confusion about the value of a property can arise because of the location of county lines and districts.

“I had a client selling a home, and the house directly across the street could not be considered a comp despite square footage, bed, and bathroom count being the same,” says Michael Martirena, a top broker with Compass in Miami.

Why? “Because the county line was through the middle of the street,” explains Martirena.

Due to this unseen delineation, the appraisal price for the home was significantly altered.

“Most buyers and sellers don’t think about variations in the map when it comes to pricing,” says Martirena. But in this instance, each house was in a different school district.

The home’s (actual) square footage

Usually, the bigger the property, the more square footage, right? Not always, say experts.

“It is a matter of the usable or functional square footage and evaluating the areas that are wasted space,” says agent Jeremy Kamm of New York City’s Coldwell Banker Warburg.

For example, attics, garages, and unfinished basements are typically not included as usable square footage. So though you might have a 2,000-square-foot home, an appraiser might be able to value only 1,750 square feet.

When the home was built

Appraisers will examine the property’s condition and its overall upkeep. And newly installed features such as a new bathroom, new hardwood flooring, or a new garage or roof will get bonus points.

“Appraisers choose a score for how new parts of the home are with a bias toward recent updates,” says Max Stokes, founder of the Fox & Stokes Team at Compass in Bergen County, NJ. “Your kitchen will get a score, your bathroom will get a score.”

So homes with recent renovations or newer builds will automatically have a higher appraisal value.

The home’s utilities

New mechanicals and utilities also score high on an appraiser’s list.

Energy-efficient upgrades can reduce utility bills and are appealing to buyers. For example, adding a smart thermostat can improve efficiency and increase property value.

Meanwhile, old, out-of-date electrical wiring can tank an appraisal because it means buyers might have trouble running the air conditioning, microwaves, and hairdryers.

The property’s climate resiliency

While it’s not something that most buyers or sellers really think about, a property’s climate resilience affects value.

“We’ve recently dealt with many waterfront home sales, and I’ve found that a key element for appraisers is the condition and age of the sea wall,” says Ivan Chorney, a broker with Compass in Miami. “If it’s up to code, it adds tremendous value to the property and can save time for someone wishing to build their own home.”

Chorney adds that protection from extreme weather is a key element to the property’s appraisal value across the county. The better the protection from the elements, the greater the value.

Importance of using the right appraiser

Buyers and sellers should be aware of variations among appraisers. Stokes is an appraiser himself and says that as the appraisal industry becomes more regulated, fewer people are in the profession.

“The result is that appraisers registered in the state could be assigned to a property in an area where they have no local knowledge,” says Stokes.

Plus, an inexperienced appraiser can significantly affect a home’s overall value.

“The better your professionals understand the comps, the more accurate the appraisal price will be,” says Stokes.

So if you think an appraisal you get is way off, you can question the number—and request a new appraisal.

Knowing what increases or reduces a home’s value can help keep buyers from paying more than a home is worth. And for sellers, understanding the ins and outs of property values could help them price their home to sell quickly.

Learn more on Realtor.com

Related Links

• Property Tax Appeal Decisions Are In: Now What?

• Yes, You Can Compete With All-Cash Buyers—Here’s How

• People Want Less Expensive Homes – And Builders Are Responding

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado
Search Homes in Oklahoma
Search Homes in Oregon
Search homes in Minnesota

Just Listed: Welcome home to Greenhaven - a truly special creekside mountain cabin nestled in the coveted Upper Bear Creek neighborhood of Evergreen!

Welcome home to Greenhaven - a truly special creekside mountain cabin nestled in the coveted Upper Bear Creek neighborhood of Evergreen!

Every inch of this 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated to surprise + delight. Upon entering, the expansive living room has recently refinished wide plank pine floors, and the adjacent bonus space would love to be a delightful dining space overlooking the perfectly manicured, fire mitigated front yard + creek. The gorgeous main floor bedroom features heated floors in the ensuite, and the office has a separate entrance with a wall sharing the wood burning fireplace, making it a cozy spot to work year-round! The wide-open, updated kitchen, wet bar, additional bedroom, laundry closet and access to a wonderful covered deck complete the main floor, with stairs leading down to a bonus room which has been used as an additional bedroom as well as a renovated bathroom centered around a luxurious Japanese soaking tub - the perfect place for a post-hike adventure at 3 Sisters (which is right in your backyard!) The shining star of this home is the recently renovated primary suite - located upstairs away from the hustle + bustle of the main floor: new windows, heated floors in the closet and bathroom, custom cabinets and closet, no expense has been spared to bring a level of grandness to this space, not usually found in homes built in 1934! Enjoy twilight around the cozy firepit seating area, get creative with two outbuildings complete with wood floors and electricity, and store all the things in the oversized 2-car garage prepared to do double duty as a gym...best of all, your new place includes 300 additional square feet along Bear Creek allowing for fly fishing and creekside lounging. You are going to LOVE living here!

Listed by Elizabeth Fischer for West + Main Homes. Please Contact Elizabeth for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Elizabeth Fischer
605-868-1032
elizabeth@westandmainhomes.com

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Just Listed: Ranch-style home nestled in the Gate-n-Green gated community for active residents aged 55 and up!

Ranch-style home nestled in the Gate-n-Green gated community for active residents aged 55 and up!

This ranch-style home has been meticulously cared and recently updated. Nestled in the Gate-n-Green gated community for active residents aged 55 and up. Enjoy weekly events at the clubhouse, access to a large indoor pool and hot tub, and a quiet landscape with walking trails. Enjoy your own private patio, the perfect place to spend the day in the fresh air. Updated finishes include: flooring, fixtures, bathrooms, and fresh paint throughout. A spacious, attached two-car garage mean you’ll have room for all your hobbies, plus additional storage space for seasonal items. Nearby are parks, nature preserves, recreation centers, a golf course and much more to explore.

Listed by TK Knight for West + Main Homes. Please Contact TK for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
TK Knight

303-929-7724

tk.knight@westandmain.com

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Just Listed: Impeccably maintained townhome in a highly desirable community known for its mature shade trees, winding trails, & plentiful amenities!

Impeccably maintained townhome in a highly desirable community known for its mature shade trees, winding trails, & plentiful amenities!

This end-unit townhome is tucked away in a quiet location within the neighborhood. The covered front porch is ideal for relaxing with a cup of coffee. Step inside to a generous living room with a large bay window & vaulted ceilings that allow for abundant natural light. Hardwood floors flow throughout the main living space, featuring a gas fireplace. A lovely bonus room/study complements the open floorplan & sliding glass doors lead outside to a private patio. Bright, fully equipped kitchen features wood cabinetry, SS refrigerator, & gas range. The breakfast bar & dining area are open to the kitchen, creating the perfect space for gatherings with friends & family. Main floor powder room, separate laundry room with washer/dryer included, as well as access to the 2-car garage complete the main level. Upstairs, an inviting loft overlooks the main level. The enormous primary suite has soaring ceilings and a 5-piece bath including a walk-in, cedar floor closet. A large, second bedroom with walk-in closet & an updated bath complete the upper level. The full, unfinished basement offers a blank slate for designing & finishing your own space if desired. The HVAC system was replaced in the Summer 2021; water heater is brand new! This home has been well-cared for & is waiting for its new owners to move right in. The opportunities to envision & remodel to fit your dreams are also limitless! Southpark is a community that provides so much enjoyment: pool, clubhouse, tennis courts/pickleball, walking trails, access to the Mineral light-rail station & bike trails like the Highline Canal Trail. Top-rated Littleton public schools & historic downtown Littleton with local shops & restaurants nearby.

Listed by Linsey Garcia for West + Main Homes. Please Contact Linsey for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Linsey Garcia

303-915-0820

linsey.garcia@westandmain.com

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