Things You Didn’t Know About Homeownership
Although you’ve been dreaming about everything you were going to do with your first home, you maybe didn’t realize that there are things you didn’t know about homeownership. All homeowners cope with maintenance issues, unexpected expenses, and do-it-yourself projects gone wrong at one point or another.
But don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm. Just be prepared to cope with some surprises and treat homeownership like the adventure it’s likely to be. Keep the following possibilities in mind, and you’ll be ready.
The High-Stakes Game of Home Mechanical Systems
HVAC, plumbing, electrical—oh my! Welcome to the world of home mechanical systems, where the stakes are high, and the satisfaction of fixing a problem is unparalleled. Be prepared to investigate strange noises at odd hours, decipher complex instruction manuals, and realize that YouTube DIY tutorials won’t turn you into an electrician or plumber overnight.
The Not-So-Sweet Surprise of Home Repair Costs
Depending on the age and condition of your home, repairs and maintenance can quickly add up to a significant sum. To avoid being caught off-guard, keep an “oh no!” fund on standby for when life inevitably throws you a home-related curveball.
You’ll face leaks, broken appliances, and HVAC systems that don’t seem to heat or cool anything. At some point, you’ll even realize it’s time for a new roof. These are a few of the expenses that may land in your lap as a homeowner.
The Oddball Next Door
Neighbors don’t come with a return policy. As a new homeowner, you may encounter the neighbor who loves talking your ear off or the aspiring drummer who practices at all hours of the night. Take it all in stride and practice patience (and diplomacy) when necessary. After all, your neighbors may see you as the bumbling newbie they have to put up with!
The Never-Ending Home Design Carousel
Admit it, you have a Pinterest board bursting with home design ideas, just waiting to be put into action. But the hard cold truth is that realizing your home decor dreams can take decades—if you ever complete your designs at all.
One moment, you’re daydreaming about farmhouse kitchens with shiplap paneling and soapstone sinks, and the next, you realize you might need a second mortgage to afford it all. And once it’s all done, you’ll decide you don’t love it as much as you’d hoped. Homeownership means re-discovering your personal style every five years or so.
As you realize all the things you didn’t know about homeownership, take time to savor the sense of accomplishment that comes from making a new space your own.
