8 Great Tips for First Time Homeowners

1. Paint the house before you move in. You may have a fresh coat of paint in place in your new home, but if you plan to do any accent walls or major changes, it’s easiest to complete that work prior to moving in all your furnishings.

2. Plant shade trees. One of the best ways to save energy is the plant shade trees along the exterior of your home. Shade created by a tree canopy reduces the amount of sunlight that enters your home, keeping it cooler. Plus, trees help improve the air quality surrounding your home.

3. Keep your home warranties and manuals in a safe place. If you’ve purchased new construction, you’ll have a new home warranty. Keep contact numbers handy. Know how to file a claim if necessary. Note: Holiday Builders offers a 2-year non-transferable home warranty, that's double the industry standard. 

4. Get to know your neighbors. Knowing your neighbors is the first step in creating a sense of community. Be the neighbor you want your neighbors to be. Good neighbors offer a helping hand when someone is in need. They provide a second set of eyes on your home and can assist in picking up mail or watering plants if you’re out of town.  Plus, a friendly relationship with the neighbors makes for a more enjoyable quality of life. 

5. Take your time with renovation projects. In a brand new home, you probably won’t need to make significant changes. But even if you’re buying a resale home, take the time to live in your new home and get a feel for how you use the space before investing in costly rehab projects.

6. Take advantage of tax benefits. Besides mortgage interest deductions, Florida homeowners benefit greatly by filing for Homestead Exemption. For all those details and more, click here. 

7. Choose your homeowners' insurance provider wisely. If you hold a mortgage, homeowners’ insurance is a necessity. Choosing the cheapest policy is tempting - especially given today’s prices. However, you and your home will fare better with a reputable company and reliable policy.

8. Maintain an emergency fund. This is just good life advice. If you’re buying a new construction home, you shouldn’t have issues. With a resale home, your emergency fund could come in handy to replace a worn-out AC unit, for example.

Holiday Builders offers new single-family homes throughout Florida and Coastal Alabama. To learn more about plans, locations, and pricing, visit us online at HolidayBuilders.com.