If you’re new to homeownership, some of the chores and responsibilities may come as a surprise. Buying a home is an important milestone in your life. However, if you’ve always rented, you may not know what to expect as a new homeowner. Here are a few things to be ready for after your move-in day.
Landscaping Expenses to Expect as a Homeowner
If you lived in an apartment complex previously, you probably had a groundskeeper or landscaping company in charge of maintaining the property. When you own your home, these jobs become your responsibility. You might choose to purchase lawn care equipment and take care of the yard yourself. Alternatively, you can hire a company to maintain the landscaping, care for trees, and cut the grass. Either way, these are expenses that you’ll need to work into your budget.
HVAC Inspection and Maintenance
In your rental home, the landlord was responsible for maintaining the heating and cooling system. As a homeowner, you’ll need to set a reminder to schedule an inspection for the HVAC system twice a year. The technician will check the unit, making sure everything is clean and running properly. These inspections will help your system run efficiently and extend its lifespan. As the homeowner, it’s your job to clean or replace the air filters in your system every month to maintain good air quality indoors.
Property Taxes That Fluctuate
With many mortgages, the property taxes are worked into your monthly payment. Whether you pay your tax to the bank or pay it directly to your local tax office, understand that your property taxes may vary over time. Property taxes are determined based on the value of your home and the real estate market in your area. If property taxes change, your monthly payment will too.
As a Homeowner, You Should Expect Pest Control Expenses
Some pests like carpenter bees and termites cause structural damage to your home. Other insects and rodents aren’t always as destructive but are annoying to have around, like mice and ants in the kitchen, hornets in the backyard, or squirrels in the chimney. At some point, you can expect to spend money on pest control. Some pest control companies offer annual inspections and monthly treatments to keep insects from invading your home in the first place.
Home Inspectors of Middle Tennessee provides inspections to customers in Middle Tennessee. Contact us to request an appointment.