Home Essentials

10 Rules of Owning a House

Owning a home is a tremendous joy--and a big responsibility. Here are 10 rules home owners should live by.
1. Take care of your home 
Experts recommend budgeting 1 to 3% of your home’s value for maintenance and repairs each year.
2. Build equity 
Making an extra principal payment when possible can decrease the interest you pay over the life of your loan.
3. Make a good first impression 
Keep your front entrance clear and welcoming. Curb appeal improves the neighborhood and enhances your home’s value.
4. Be properly insured
In most cases you only need to insure the replacement value of your home and personal property, not the land.
5. Love the neighborhood--not just the house
And if you’re not happy with your current neighborhood, start thinking and planning where to move next.
6. Make improvements 
Statistics show updated kitchens and baths often make a difference in a sale.
7. Safety first 
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure the security of your family.
8. Beat your bills
Improvements in the insulation of windows, doors, and storm doors can save energy costs and increase your home’s resale value.
9. Go neutral
If you’re thinking of moving in a year or so, choose light, neutral paint colors so there’s less work when you sell.
10. Know when it's time to move
Over time people often outgrow a house or neighborhood. If you’re thinking of making a change, please call or email to discuss the next steps.