Thursday, October 18, 2012

Home Maintenance

Congratulations! You’ve purchased a new home and are all moved in! There’s been a lot to take care of, like emptying boxes, loading up cabinets and drawers, and maybe even painting and decorating, but here are a few around-the-house tasks you may not have thought of that need to get done.

The secret to a well maintained home is to start early. Now, don't get nervous, it's not all work, work, work. Doing your home maintenance bit by bit is a great way to accomplish it all, but over time so that there's plenty of room for relaxing too. Also, preventative maintenance now, will reduce the liklihood of unwlecome (many times costly) surprises down the road.

What to do when you first move in!

Change the locks, reprogram garage door opener codes, and check that all window locks operate properly. If there's a security system, learn how it operates and sign up for any maintenance or monitoring plans that that yours requires.  At least re-key the locks for the all outside doors if changing the locks is not on your agenda.  This should be planned prior to the day you get your keys so that you can feel truly safe in your new home!

Locate emergency shut offs. Know how to shut off the power, water, and gas in your home.   If the cold weather is settling in, make sure your outside water taps are shut off and drained.

Have a "fix it" kit. Get a toolbox and stock it with all your frequently used home repair tools and supplies and a first aid kit. 

Change the batteries in smoke alarms and CO monitors. 

Check pilot lights - in your fireplace and/or gas stove.

A Few Days/Weeks Later:

Perform necessary seasonal maintenance. Do this when you have time. 

Change filters in you furnace.

Address items that need attention that were mentioned in your home inpsection report.  If something on this list can wait and do in time, then do so.  Like I said earlier, it's not all 'work, work, work'.

Well, welcome to Home Ownership.  Remember, keep up with little repairs and it won't be so daunting.  Enjoy your home!  Getting yourself settled will take a few months and don't be surprised if a year from now, you are still changing things around.  There will come a day when you want to paint and put your finishing touches on your new home.  ABSOLUTELY!!!  If  you need some help, I can arrange for a home stager to come in and talk to you about decorating and give you some ideas.
It's these little things that I will help you with that makes me stand out!  I will keep in touch!

If you're a First Time Home Buyer, or a seasoned home owner, feel free to give me a call and let's chat.  Call be directly at 416 427 1875.  I have enough patience and passion in working with Clients in Real Estate to go around.  I truly love what I do!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
FINE HOMES IN 905
416 427 1875
betty@bettybart.com
www.bettybart.com

PERSISTENT AND PATIENT IN DELIVERING RESULTS!!  ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED
not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract