Buying your first home is a big milestone. But it is also a huge responsibility.
Politicians subsidize ownership, and markets respond with price increases. That’s why experts largely agree that you should only buy if you plan to stay put for at least five years.
Nevertheless, you are finally ready to make that commitment.
- Upgrade Your Appliances
One of the most exciting things about finally owning a home is getting to upgrade your appliances to your desired level of sophistication and efficiency. Many homeowners do this by taking out a cash-out refinance that uses the equity in their home as collateral, thus eliminating the need to add a new monthly payment onto their mortgage. Many programs offer a variety of rebates and incentives that help make energy-efficient appliance upgrades more affordable, especially for low-income households.
Before spending any money on an appliance, check to see whether it is still under warranty. This is often overlooked and can result in a great deal of confusion, miscommunication, and bad feelings between landlords and tenants when it comes to who is responsible for appliance repairs and replacement. You may be wondering, “Home warranty, what does it cover?” Look into your specific appliance and home warranty policy because every policy is different and coverages vary between companies.
Home warranties cover a variety of appliances and systems that can break down or need repairs. They do not, however, cover everything.
It’s important to choose a home warranty company that offers a clear contract with transparent terms and conditions, clauses and exclusions. You should also be aware of the pricing details. Most plans are split into home appliances and home systems coverage, with add-ons for a more comprehensive package.
It’s also worth finding out if the home warranty has an aggregate limit for all claims or a per-item model. This could make a difference if you need to replace your fridge or water heater.
Home warranty plans differ in terms of coverage, protection limits and service fees. As a result, choosing the right plan depends on a homeowner’s specific needs and budget.
- Upgrade Your Flooring
Buying your own home is one of the most exciting times in life. It means you can design your dream bathroom, plant a garden, paint the walls whatever color you want, and even get a dog. However, experts largely agree that you should only buy when you are ready to commit long-term. You should also be financially ready to take on the responsibilities of owning a home, like paying your mortgage and maintaining the property. These things are especially true if you are a single buyer. But that doesn’t mean that owning your own home will be easy or happen as quickly as you might imagine.
- Upgrade Your Window Treatments
You’re finally ready to make the leap into homeownership. Thankfully, the market is cooling off; bidding wars and mind-boggling offers over asking prices are becoming a thing of the past; and homes are being listed for longer periods of time. You can finally design your dream bathroom, plant a garden on the patio, and – most importantly — keep that pet dog. Now, all you need is the right window treatments. Luckily, Unison has you covered.
- Upgrade Your Kitchen
You are single and ready to finally buy a home. You’ve been saving and you have a down payment saved up, plus you’ve picked a neighborhood that is a great place to invest in property.
Owning a house comes with a lot of responsibilities, but it also means you can paint the walls any color you want, add plants to your patio, and even get a dog. That freedom is a big part of why people love homeownership.
If you’re thinking of buying a house, experts agree it is best to do so when you’re prepared to stay in the home for at least five years. And if you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen, here are a few ways to do it without turning your entire house into a construction zone for weeks.
