I couldn’t wait to get all my things settled once I purchased and closed on my first home. I was too wrapped up in being a first-time home buyer that there were so many things I overlooked. What I had thought was a significant amount of ’stuff’ turned out to be scraps when I moved everything in and saw how bare the place looked. I think many new buyers end up being in the same boat. It may be a lack of preparation, possibly a lack of financial funding, or sometimes people just like to design and add as they go. As it turns out, as much as I try to plan and organize and in advance, the shopping as you go was pretty rewarding. Once I was in my home and knew all the nooks and crannies, if I was out somewhere and saw a particular piece I really liked, I would then know exactly where I could put it. It kept every outing adventurous and gave me time to save up a little money.
Typically, homeowners spend an average of $7,400 on their home, with more htan 50% of that amount being spent within the first year after purchase. Many people haven’t accounted for this type of spending but there are a few specifics that can get you by with maintaining a home, and not just a house. The rest is just details you can add later.
Once ‘kids’ are have outgrown their parents hand-me-downs, the most popular items to purchase are sofas, dining sets and new bedroom sets. This can personalize your style and set the tone when you walk in each room. By shopping around and buying furniture during sales holidays, you can really find some excellent bargains on quality furniture. Typically, mattress sales are at their peak during the summer holidays.
Instead of spending a ton of money on a fine piece of art, there are easier ways to spruce up your walls. Window treatments is a cost-effective way to ‘fill the walls’ and also provide a sense of privacy and security. Finally, now that you are no longer renting, you can also paint those walls any color your heart desires. A fresh coat of paint adds tons of personality. If your paint and linens match, that leaves less of a need to purchase complimentary accent pieces.
I’m fairly certain there are plenty of new buyers out there that totally disregard the fact that they now have to take care of a lawn. Of course, having a plush flower bed to welcome guests is always desirable, but that can come with time and money. For starters, you can maintain a home with a freshly-cut lawn, so don’t forget to invest in a lawnmower. A hose and shovel will also come in handy for little maintenance projects.
One of the biggest items new homeowners invest their money in is a flat-screen tv. I’d put money on the bet that nearly every potential new buyer walks into a property and starts talking about where they’d put the tv. It’s no wonder such technology is at the top of the purchasing list. Also, it’s important to take inventory of what appliances are already in the house. Typically a dishwasher, stove and microwave come equipped in a home. Occasionally a refrigerator or washer and dryer set may be left behind, but usually you need to buy your own. These items needed to be accounted for well in advance or it makes actual day-to-day living in your home very difficult.
This may seem silly, but a basic tool kit will take you a long way. Are you trying to hammer a nail into the wall with the heel of your boot? Having essential tools and hardware will help your move and decorating much easier. This is a fairly inexpensive purchase that will save you time, headaches and trips back and forth to the hardware store.
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