Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
14
Maintenance First-Time Buyer's Always Have To Do
If you recently purchased your first home, congratulations! There is no other feeling quite like the excitement one experiences when stepping inside a new home for the first time. While it's a great time to celebrate, it's also time to start your journey down the long path of homeowner maintenance, which begins as soon as the keys are in your hands.
A new home is one of the largest purchases you'll ever make, so maintaining your investment is a job that starts on day one. There are many things you'll want to do as soon as you close to ensure you're home is clean, safe, and ready for your family. Our real estate agents always tell clients about the numerous maintenance tasks you'll want to cover shortly after closing, and here are some of the most important ones:
- Deep Clean Everything
One of the first things you'll want to do after moving in is eliminate any trace of the previous homeowner by deep cleaning every nook and cranny. Even if the seller claimed to have the home professionally cleaned, you'll likely still want to clean to your own standards. Prior to moving in, scrub every surface and pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathroom. Also, consider having the carpets professionally cleaned. You want a clean slate when moving into your new home. - Change Your HVAC Filters
Who knows when the last time the home's HVAC filters were changed, so swapping them out is one of the first things you'll want to do. A fresh filter will help prevent dust and debris from floating around your home and ultimately improve air quality. - Test All Alarms And Detectors
Before spending the first night in your home, you'll want to make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test each unit and replace batteries or detectors as needed. - Clean Your Gutters
There is a good chance your seller didn't clean the gutters and the downspouts prior to moving out, so this is one of the first things you'll want to do as a new homeowner. Clogged gutters and downspouts can damage your roof or cause water to pool near your foundation. Have your gutters professionally cleaned, or do it yourself if you're able. - Treat The Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is often overlooked during deep cleaning routines. If there are any remaining food particles left over from the previous owner, it's only a matter of time before things start to smell. Remove and clean the rubber guard, remove any food particles, and pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain (lemon peels work, too!). After 30 minutes, dump a cup of vinegar down the drain and run the hot water. Afterward, your kitchen will be smelling as clean as these Suffolk County homes for sale. - Remove Debris From Your Air Vents
Air vents and heat registers are two components of the home that are also often neglected. They tend to accumulate dust, dirt, and pet hair over time. Remove each vent, wipe them down, and run the vacuum hose over the surfaces. This will help prevent the circulation of dust in the air.
Owning a home is a rewarding experience, but it's also a lot of work. Trust us, taking care of your investment from the very beginning will pay off down the road. Contact us today to explore Long Island listings.