New homebuyers' essentials
As a new homeowner, you trade the challenges of acquiring a home for those of home ownership. Fortunately, these tips make handling home-ownership challenges less stressful.
Essential for new homeowners: Locate the gas and water shut-off valves
For a new homeowner, a bust pipe burst or the smell of gas in the house can cause a panic. Not knowing how to shut off your water and gas only compounds your stress. (It could also majorly damage your home and your family’s health.) Invest the time to locate your gas shutoff valve and your water shutoff valve before an emergency strikes.
Here are 13 things a handyman won’t tell you (but every homeowner needs to know).
File away home and mortgage documents
Definitely hang on to any documents related to your home for as long as you own it. This includes the deed, mortgage (or deed of trust) and promissory note, closing disclosure, purchase contract and selling disclosure, home warranty, home inspection report, and receipts for any appliances or renovations. It’s best to keep them all in one place, such as a safe deposit box or safe.