|David Ball

It’s great news that you have become a first-time homeowner and have got the keys to your new place, but it’s likely you may be unsure of a few things. After all, buying a home was never top of the school curriculum, was it?

So, we at Ridgewater Sales and Lettings have used our experience and knowledge to put together seven tips for first-time homeowners.

Tip Number One

Rest! We know this sounds a bit daft, but you’ve gone through the process of buying your first home and it may well all have been a bit stressful. So, give yourself a break. Time to think about how amazing it is that you have the keys and you’re now a homeowner. By doing this, you’ll give yourself time to think and to plan things like decorating.

Tip Number Two

Get to know everything. Seriously, you’re in a new house but do you know how to turn the heating on? Do you know where the stopcock is and what it actually does?

You will also want to make sure you have the best broadband connection, what day is bin day and where your water, gas and electricity meters are located!

All too often, we see people get in a muddle a little down the line not because they have done anything wrong, but because they are not sure what’s what. Take time to find things out!

Tip Number Three

Lock it up, code it right. You’ve moved to a home that you can call your own. Now is the time to change the locks and the security code for the alarm. Yes, this can seem a little negative when you’re still in the champagne-quaffing stage of being a new homeowner, but safety first!

You may not know who has a key or who used to pop by now and then or look after the property when the previous householders were out – so who might still have access?

Tip Number Four

Clean it up! Do a deep clean throughout your new home. That includes skirting boards, behind radiators, door frames and behind appliances! Once you’ve done this, it will instantly feel more like your home, and you can be reassured that everything is dirt free. Obviously, before you do this, get the kettle out and the teabags!

Tip Number Five

Home in on security. Security must be a priority, even if you live in a nice leafy area. These days many people choose to have video camera doorbells and CCTV cameras high on a wall. It’s amazing what you can do with your phones now, and soon you could be checking parcel deliveries at the touch of a button.

Ask in local Facebook groups or ask friends and colleagues for recommendations as there are different systems out there that could be useful.

Tip Number Six

Community is the buzzword at the moment, and by that we simply mean the people who live near you – your neighbours! It’s good to be sociable but think of the added benefits. Neighbours will know the local playgroups, the best pubs and restaurants, trusted traders, garages, and convenience shops, so it’s advantageous to get to know the people around you.

Tip Number Seven

This might seem dull perhaps, but make sure you sort your paperwork and filing out. You may well have lots of paperwork from your move, whether that’s directly related to the house, or associated documents like insurance or utilities paperwork. It may seem like a chore when all you want to do is enjoy your new place, but it will pay off in the long run.

When you’ve bought your first home, you want to get on and enjoy it, of course you do, but think long term!

First time buyer but not found your perfect home yet? We are always happy to help. Call us on 01803 525100 or email neil@ridgewater.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.