Before you close on your new home purchase, you should know the things you need to buy once you get into your home. All too often, new homeowners focus on the closing costs and down payment, not realizing the vast number of items they need to buy once they are in the home.
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So what do you need to buy when you move into your new home? Check out our list of essentials below so that you can best prepare yourself financially for your new home purchase.
New Locks
Whether you buy an existing home or a newly constructed home, you’ll want to change the locks. You don’t know who has keys to the existing locks and it’s not worth taking a chance. New locks and keys are fairly affordable, especially if you go to your local hardware store, but you can also call a professional locksmith to come take care of it for you.
Yard Tools
If you lived in a condo, townhome or apartment before, you probably don’t own lawn tools. At the very least, you’ll need a lawnmower and weed whacker. If you live in an area that it gets cold and snows, you’ll also need a shovel and/or a snow blower. Depending on your level of gardening, you may want to stock up gardening tools too.
A Basic Toolbox
As a new homeowner, you’ll need tools to make basic repairs. Even if you aren’t super handy, there will be a time you’ll want a hammer, screw driver, and wrench. Head to your local hardware store and ask about basic toolboxes – many stores have ready-made tool boxes for people starting out just like you.
Security System
Even if you live in the most affluent area, a security system may be necessary. Not only does it protect your house, but it may give you a sense of peace. Even a basic security system can deter a burglar for fear of being caught.
Smoke Detectors
Don’t rely on the effectiveness of the existing smoke detectors or even carbon monoxide detectors. Consider replacing all of them when you move into the home, unless it’s new construction. Also, make sure there is enough smoke detectors throughout the house. If there isn’t one in every bedroom and strategically placed throughout the first level, add more in order to enhance your level of safety in the home.
Window Coverings
Unless the previous homeowner left all of the window coverings, you may find the home quite open when you walk into as a homeowner. While you can buy temporary (paper) blinds from the local hardware store, they are temporary. Eventually you’ll want ‘real’ window treatments whether blinds, shades or curtains. At the very least, find window coverings for the most prominent windows, such as bedroom windows or any windows on the first floor that give
passerby a full view of your home.
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Cleaning Essentials
Whether you buy a new or used house, trust us, it will need a good cleaning. Even if someone cleaned it for you, there are certain things you’ll just want to clean yourself, not to mention the fact that you’ll need the cleaning supplies moving forward. Stock up on the essentials such as a broom, mop, and vacuum. You may also want a carpet cleaner, duster, large bucket, and plenty of cleaners including a general disinfectant.
Appliances
Make sure you know if the seller will leave any appliances for you. If not, think about the essentials that you need including:
- Microwave
- Stove
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Washer
- Dryer
You may also need smaller things, like light fixtures and fans. You’ll have a good idea of what you need after you sign the purchase contract and find out what the seller will or will not be leaving for you.
Miscellaneous Items
If this is your first house, you may also need essentials, such as:
- Ladder
- Step stool
- Garden hose
- New bedding
- Furniture
- Towels
- Throw rugs
- Fire extinguisher
New homeowners have plenty of items they need/want to buy after moving into a home. Keep these expenses in mind as you set your budget. Don’t make the mistake of spending all of your money on the closing costs and down payment,, leaving yourself with nothing to spend on the essentials you need once you actually become a homeowner.