When buying a home for the first time, there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right house for your needs.
Perhaps the most pressing concern for most folks is about money and how to keep your payments low while protecting your new investment – your home.
We’ve put together a list of four tips to help save you money, especially if you are a first time home buyer. Enjoy!
Money Saving Tip #1: Preserve “Livable Space” During Major Improvements to Save on Rent
Most of us enjoy finding deals. If you’re looking for a more-bang-for-your-buck type of deal to make it easier on your pocketbook, chances are, your first house may need some renovations.
Consider moving in before the work is complete to skip paying for a short-term rental while you’re updating your new house. While this method will save you money (because you won’t be paying for a short-term rental during renovations), it is important that you preserve enough “livable space” in your new home so that you can comfortably live there until the renovations are completed.
Money Saving Tip #2: Don’t Get Burned By Your Contractor – Check Their References First
That major renovation? Chances are, you’re not going to be doing it all by yourself. Local contractors are a life saver when it comes to properly renovating your home. But, the most inexpensive isn’t always the best option in your area.
Today, Angie’s List and other online resources offer reviews and money-saving tips for first-time homeowners who need to hire a helping hand. These resources didn’t exist 20 years ago, however, thankfully, first time home buyers have access to them today with just a couple clicks.
Getting multiple quotes is a great idea too. Ask around. Check with your neighbors and inquire who they’ve had work on their homes in the past and how satisfied they were with the service(s) they received.
A little bit of research goes along way and it can save you the headache of working with a flighty contractor or someone who cuts corners when doing renovations.
Money Saving Tip #3: Maintain Good Insulation to Keep Energy Bills Low
One of the major surprises for new homeowners is often energy costs. If you’re a first-time homeowner moving up from a rented apartment, you’ll be heating or cooling a lot more square footage. And that may put strain on your monthly budget.
Making sure your new home is properly insulated can be a big money-saver long term. Installing better installation is fairly simple and straightforward to do, often, this may be a project that your handy father-in-law or friend could help you with.
Money Saving Tip #4: Conserve Water to Save Dollars – It’s Costing You More Than You May Think!
One of our favorite tips for new homeowners looking to save money? Conserve water.
The average water bills costs homeowners approximately $150 a quarter. That’s about $600 a year!
Water conservation at home goes beyond turning off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth. Believe it or not, among the worst water wasters are a running toilet and a leaky faucet. Taking shorter showers vs. filling up the tub every time you or your children need to wash off can shave a large amount off your water bill every month.
Have A Question?
Call us today at: (920) 596-3355
Sandie (Sandra) Wilz is the owner and an agent at Eastling Insurance in Manawa, Wisconsin. She is passionate about educating clients and prospects on what their insurance coverages mean and how having the correct coverage can give the client the peace of mind they would expect from their insurance protection. Sandie can be reached at (920) 596-3355.