The Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make After Moving In

The Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make After Moving In

As you move into your first home, you probably have countless ideas for interior decorating, renovations, and upgrades. It’s exciting to imagine your dream home and plan the steps you can take to make your vision a reality. However, first-time homeowners often rush into projects and make impulsive decisions in their first few months at the new house.

The feelings of excitement and inspiration that come from purchasing your first home are unmatched, but it’s always important to be patient and careful when settling into your house.

Here are five mistakes that first-time home buyers make after moving in:

 

Getting Rid of Old Furniture

 

1. Getting Rid of Old Furniture

When you move into a new home, it can be tempting to purchase all new furniture to fill up the space. If you’re moving from an apartment to a house, you probably will need to purchase additional furniture as your new home is likely larger. Overdoing your furniture purchases as soon as you move in can be a big mistake, though.

High-quality furniture is expensive, and you should be cautious when making large purchases right after moving. You want to make sure you have enough money to cover any unexpected emergencies or repairs for the home, so draining your bank account to furnish the house is risky.

Instead, consider keeping your old furniture for a while as you settle into the home. You might not like the way all of the pieces look in your new home, but this is the most cost-effective way to make your house livable as you finalize your plans for the style and décor. Then, over time, you can add more furniture pieces or replace the old items with new ones.

 

Painting Everything

2. Painting Everything

New homeowners make a number of mistakes involving painting. While painting can be a fairly easy and simple way to change the aesthetics of a room or cover up imperfections in the walls, you don’t want to go overboard with your painting projects.

First, consider whether the colors and styles you’re drawn to will continue to appeal to you in a few years. Paint trends come and go, and while you may love a certain shade today, you might not love it when it goes out of style. By taking your time and carefully considering your color options, you can ensure that you’ll choose shades that you’ll want to keep for years to come.

It’s also important to use high-quality paint, but new homeowners who want to paint the entire house right away often choose less expensive, lower-quality paints. A quality paint will withstand wear and tear, so it’s a far better long-term option.

 

Choosing Style Over Function

3. Choosing Style Over Function

Your style, color scheme, and décor can bring your vision for your home to life. Planning the aesthetics of your home can be very exciting and inspiring, and many new homeowners love putting the cosmetic pieces of their home together. However, one of the biggest mistakes first-time home buyers make is prioritizing style over function.

It’s possible to create an attractive, stylish living space that also is functional. Sacrificing practicality for the sake of appearance can make your home feel uncomfortable, and the inconvenience is never worth it.

This applies to your budget, too. New homeowners sometimes rush to purchase décor, paint, and new furniture to transform the home while ignoring more serious, urgent repairs. Before you invest in styling your home, you should be certain that all of the major appliances and systems are in good working condition.

 

Forgetting Routine Maintenance

4. Forgetting Routine Maintenance

Transitioning from renting to homeownership can be challenging as you have so many more responsibilities as a homeowner. In most cases, renters aren’t responsible for maintenance and repairs on the property. As a homeowner, though, you have to stay current on routine maintenance.

Some maintenance tasks are quick and easy, like changing the filters in your HVAC system. Others are more labor-intensive, such as cleaning out the gutters. If you don’t have much experience with home maintenance, you can outsource many of these tasks to a professional and learn by watching them. Keeping up-to-date on preventative maintenance is a great way to avoid costly disasters.

Crossing the Property Line

5. Crossing the Property Line

You might be interested in installing a fence, planting trees, or doing other projects on your home’s property line. You should never assume that you know where the property line is, though. Sometimes, new homeowners see the grass line where their neighbor mows and assume it’s the official boundary. You can’t be certain of the property line until a City Surveyor shows you exactly where it is.

Some homeowners aren’t too concerned about the specific location of the property line, but others can be defensive over the boundary. The last thing you want as a new homeowner is to have a property line dispute with your new neighbor.

You’re probably eager to get started with the home improvement projects when you move into your first house, but you should avoid the common mistakes new homeowners make. Prioritize essential repairs first, be careful with your budget, and take your time when planning your design and decor. You have years to transform your home, so you don’t need to rush into any decisions right after moving in.

 

Bottom Line

Enjoy your new home, put your stamp on it and mind your budget. It is important to hold funds for operating costs and maintenance, the not so fun side of homeownership. Filling the home with furniture and painting can happen over time … one room at a time to keep the budget and decisions in check.

Check out the 2022 NAR Remodeling Impact Report to understand how investments today will impact tomorrow’s value. Here is a free link to my Design Workbook to help track your choices as you put your stamp on your home!

 


 

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About the Author
5a

In the vast tapestry of Northern Virginia, Michele's roots run deep, with an unyielding passion to help her clients make smart moves. This region is a sprawling masterpiece, each corner radiating a unique personality that caters to diverse lifestyles. Michele's unwavering mission is to delve into the essence of her clients' aspirations, meticulously curating the perfect match between their dreams and the vibrant tapestry of Northern Virginia, even as lifestyles evolve and dreams take new forms. 

Armed with a formidable arsenal of market analysis, strategic prowess, and unrivaled consulting expertise, Michele empowers her clients to navigate the ever-shifting currents of the real estate landscape. She unveils the intricate dynamics and fierce competition that shape the market, providing her clients with a profound understanding that fuels their success. While the emotional tides of property transactions can easily sway hearts, Michele stands unwavering as the guardian of her clients' best interests, ensuring they relish every precious moment along the way.

Michele has forged an alliance with the industry's trailblazers, joining forces with Real Broker, LLC, a groundbreaking startup that challenges the very fabric of conventional practices. With an expanding network of exceptional agents nationwide, armed with cutting-edge resources, Michele remains at the vanguard of the evolving real estate industry, poised to transform dreams into concrete reality. 

Discover the unparalleled service, the unwavering commitment, and the magnetic spirit that will guide you towards finding not just a home, but a sanctuary where dreams flourish. 

Are you ready to unlock the door to your NVA destiny?