CHAPTER 8: MAKING YOUR NEW HOME YOURS

Congratulations! You made it. You are a proud new homeowner and cannot wait to begin personalizing your new home to make it truly yours. In this section, we will briefly cover topics including moving in, as well as tips and tricks for maintaining your home and protecting your new investment.

Moving In

Moving into your new home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Planning ahead and starting early are the best ways to ensure your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

• Go through each room and create a list of everything that needs to be packed. This will not only help you organize yourself for moving day but will also give you a better estimate of the storage you may need, and the logistics required on moving day.
• Measure large or bulky furniture and other items. Record the dimensions of these items, including height and width.
• Measure the doorways and rooms in your new home. This will help you determine where your furniture will fit.
• Create a floorplan for your new home. This will help you plan where you would like to put your furniture when you move in, saving time.
• Determine where it’s easiest to move your furniture into your new home, whether that be the front door, side door, or garage entrance.
• Determine where the moving truck or van can park while you load and unload your belongings, whether that be your driveway or on the road. Ensure you have the necessary approvals from the city or town to park the moving truck on public roads for the duration of your move.
• If you are moving into an apartment or condominium, contact property management to determine what the procedure is for moving in, including when you can book the elevator. Most condominiums require a security deposit in the event you damage the elevator.
• Contact your utility providers to arrange for disconnection, meter reading, and final billing. Also arrange for the connection of utilities (electricity, natural gas), home phone, internet, and TV at your new home.
• Update your address with the business and organizations you deal with, your friends, and your family. Consider the use of postal redirection services so you do not miss any important mail during the transition to your new home.

Download our free Pocket Guide to Moving eBook available on the Nest & Castle Education Centre for comprehensive advice, tips and tricks on a seamless move. Visit www.NestandCastle.com/ for more information.

Maintaining your Home and Protecting your Investment

As you must be aware by now, being a homeowner is a huge responsibility. It’s up to you to take care of your home and protect what is likely your biggest investment yet.

We know that you have what it takes to be a successful and responsible homeowner. But everyone can use a little advice from time to time.

• Make your mortgage payments on time

Whatever mortgage payment schedule you have chosen – whether weekly, biweekly or monthly – ensure you stick to the schedule and always make your payments on time. Late or missed payments may result in charges and penalties and can also adversely impact your credit score. If you are having trouble making your payments, speak to your lender as soon as possible. They are often more accommodating than you may think.

• Plan for the costs of operating a home

You will have several ongoing costs besides your regular mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance premiums. Make sure you budget for maintenance and repair costs, expenses for security systems, snow removal or gardening, etc.

• Live within your budget

Prepare a monthly budget and stick to it. Take some time every month to reflect on your spending and financial habits to see if you are sticking to your budget and meeting your financial goals. If you find you are spending more than you earn, find new ways to earn more or cut back on your spending.

• Save for emergencies

Part of responsible homeownership is being prepared for the unexpected – a major leak, a flooded basement, or even a damaged roof. Each year try to save at least 5% of your annual salary in an emergency fund to cover these unexpected costs.

• Keep your home safe

Store your valuables in a safe and secure place, dispose of any dangerous materials promptly and safely, and regularly inspect fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Home Improvements

As a new homeowner, you may have planned some improvements to your new home. Some renovations are an excellent return on investments, paying for themselves over time. Others may just make your home more comfortable for you to live in. Regardless of whether you make renovations for their return on investment or for your own comfort and enjoyment, remember to not go overboard. Home prices are most influenced by similar homes in your neighbourhood, not by individual upgrades in your home.