STEP 9
WHAT’S NEXT?
Congratulations, you’re a home owner! You are now realizing the dream! The pressure and anticipation of the home buying process is now in the past and you can look forward to years of enjoyment in your new home.
In all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to take steps to protect your investment and keep your family safe. Here are a few simple suggestions.
Cut back shrubs that hide windows and doors.
Install outside motion detection lighting.
Check the smoke detectors and install new batteries.
Write up a list of emergency phone numbers and post it in a handy location.
Install fire extinguishers in the kitchen and in the garage,
Buy a first-aid kit and place it in a convenient location.
Open a safe deposit box or purchase a fireproof safe to store important documents
like insurance paperwork, warranties, and loan documents.
Take pictures or a video of the interior of your home with all of your belongings in place, and store it in your safe deposit box.
Install timers on interior lights to turn them on and off when you are not home.
Most people find that taking care of their own home is relaxing and rewarding work. If your home inspector provided you with a maintenance plan when you purchased your home, use it as a checklist for your regular maintenance. Reporting small items as they occur can help prevent big repair bills. A well maintained home will be more fun for you and your family to live in, and will retain its value and attraction to buyers if you wish to sell in the future. Here are some important maintenance areas to consider.
In the Yard:
Keep foundation shrubbery cut back so that the branches are at least two feet from the house, and keep tree branches ten feet away.
Maintain proper drainage away from the house, around the foundation, walkways, and driveway.
In the fall, mark the driveway, paths and landscaping to make winter snow removal easier.
Be sure that paths for oil, gas and electricity providers are kept clear.
On the Roof:
Keep the roof clear of organic matter like leaves and moss.
Clean out the gutters in spring and fall, and more often if needed.
If you don’t have gutters, consider installing them in critical locations such as over entry stoops, decks and garage doors.
Have your roof condition evaluated regularly by a qualified and unbiased professional.
Exterior of the House:
Wash the entire exterior at least once a year; more often if you live in a dusty or urban area.
Stain decks and porches regularly.
Paint or stain siding and trim before it looks like it needs it.
Paint window trim and bulkheads and varnish wood thresholds.
Interior of the House:
Check the operation of all windows and doors and clean and lubricate as needed.
Make sure that items stored in the attic aren’t blocking air circulation.
Use a flashlight to check basement walls and floors for seepage and to inspect visible pipes under sinks and in the basement for leaks.
Take swift action at the first evidence of ants/rodents/termites.
Store bird seed/animal food in metal containers.
Utilities:
Have the heating system inspected and serviced annually (oil) or every six months (gas or propane), or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Have well water tested every year, and maintain any water filters or softeners as the manufacturer instructs.
Protect your septic system. Don’t flush foreign objects or grease down drains, and avoid using chlorine bleach in the laundry. Pump your septic tank bi-annually. To learn more about your septic tank maintenance and receive a free brochure called "You And Your Septic System” contact:
Department of Environmental Services
Water Division/Subsurface Systems Bureau
6 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 95
What happens if I miss a mortgage payment?
If your mortgage payment is late most likely you will get a call or a letter from your lender’s collection department. If your late payment is more tan 30 days delinquent, your lender may report you to the credit bureau for a delinquent payment. If your mortgage payment continues to be late and passes the 90 day mark, your lender may foreclose on your home. Foreclosure is the legal means that your lender can use to repossess (take over) your home. The Mortgage Note & Deed that you signed at closing will spell out all conditions and terms that you are subject to in the event of a late payment or foreclosure.
When a foreclosure happens, you must move out of your house. If your property is worth less than the total amount you owe on your mortgage loan, your lender could seek deficiency judgment. If that happens, you not only loose your home, you owe your lender additional debt.
What should I do?