Home Maintenance for Your First Home

Congratulations on becoming a first-time homebuyer!
If you worked with Malfer & Associates, that means you’ve toured the open houses, made offers, and navigated the closing process with speed and efficiency at the hands of one of our expert realtors. Now, it’s time to care for your dream home so it can take care of you.

Maintaining your home is one of the best ways to protect your new investment while keeping your house safe, secure, and comfortable for your family.

Here are some essential tasks every first-time homeowner should stay on top of to ensure your home remains comfortable for years to come and retains its value.

Establish a Home Maintenance Routine

Create a Seasonal Checklist

One of the first things first-time homebuyers learn is that taking care of a house can quickly feel like a full-time job! Staying up-to-date on regular maintenance is crucial and can save you from costly repairs in the future. Creating a seasonal checklist is a great way to have a road map for your home, ensuring all repairs and maintenance are up to date.

Schedule Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is essential to protect your roof, foundation, and other parts of your home from costly water damage, pest infestations, and expensive foundation repairs. Make sure to clean your gutters or schedule a service in both the spring and fall. Staying on top of these maintenance items is not just important for the upkeep of your home, but could also stave off potential impacts to your listing price should you ever choose to sell.

HVAC Maintenance

Regular HVAC servicing helps in more ways than just avoiding expensive repairs! It can extend the lifespan of your system (which can add value to your home later on), improve energy efficiency (which lowers utility bills), and help maintain your warranty coverage. Scheduling a tune-up in both spring and fall ensures your HVAC system keeps the air clean and healthy for your family.

Taking Home Maintenance into Your Own Hands

While scheduling services can provide peace of mind, you can be even more proactive by handling some home maintenance tasks yourself. Besides subscribing to our newsletter for more real estate tips and tricks, here are a few things you can regularly check to keep your home in top shape:

Changing Your HVAC Filters:

Change filters regularly and schedule annual inspections. Changing your air filters keeps the air clean and lets you monitor any visible changes in your HVAC system, so you can call a technician if needed.

Cleaning Your Own Roof & Gutters:

If you’d prefer not to pay for gutter cleaning, you can do it yourself! Grab a ladder, gloves, and take the necessary safety precautions to complete this task in an afternoon. While you’re up there, check for any damage to both the gutters and roof.

Checking for Water Leaks:

Water damage can escalate quickly. Regularly inspect common areas where leaks tend to occur to catch problems early and avoid costly repairs. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement for any signs of water.

Checking Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Keep your family safe by testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replacing their batteries twice a year. In the event of an emergency, these devices are your first line of defense, allowing you to act swiftly and protect your home.

Sealing Windows & Doors from Drafts:

Re-caulk your windows and doors every few years to prevent drafts and lower energy bills. Over time, gaps can form around windows and doors, allowing air to escape and moisture to seep in, potentially causing water damage and higher utility costs. Resealing these areas improves energy efficiency and keeps your home comfortable.

Help Your Home Retain Its Value

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your life—congratulations! As you settle in, remember to follow these home maintenance tips for first-time homebuyers to keep your house warm, comfortable, and safe, while maintaining its value over time. By establishing a regular maintenance routine, you’ll ensure your dream home remains a place of joy and security for years to come.

If you are looking to buy, sell, or have a real estate question, contact us today!