1. PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES
Put together an emergency fund that covers 3-6 months of living expenses or 1%-3% of your home value. Make a nest egg - and set aside a little monthly until it builds. Put together an emergency kit and store it in a safe place. Check out ready.gov or buy a kit online.
2. HOME INVENTORY
Put together your home inventory, snap pics of your valuables and items and store them online. Great for insurance claim settlements. You can use an app or software - or simply keep your info in the cloud. Don't forget to update your current inventory if you've gotten anything new, made home improvements or acquired new personal belongings.
3. FIRE SAFETY
Check those carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Test all of your fire alarms. Make fire extinguishers accessible. Get a very long hose that you can quickly drag into the house if needed.
Make an escape plan, route, meeting spot and practice with kids.
4. HOW IS YOUR MORTGAGE?
Check with your lender if you are having financial difficulties to see what may be available. Set-up autopay to avoid late fees. Add a little extra to your mortgage to build equity and pay it off faster. When rates go down, look into refinancing. Don't let interest rates keep you from your purchase, you can always refinance later.
5. HOME SECURITY
Pay upfront and purchase security camera's and self install or hire a company and pay a monthly fee. Knowing your biggest asset and belongings are protected is a great feeling.
6. HOME INSURANCE
Review your policy, check and make sure it covers what you want it to. Ask about what it doesn't cover and consider an umbrella policy. Upgrades may qualify for discounts (ex. new security system). Be safe, not sorry.
7. UPDATE YOUR HOME
Unfinished projects haunting you? Go ahead, finish them up. Make it a goal to do at least one home improvement project in 2023.
Ideas:
Paint front door
No dig fence
Floating deck
Restore current deck
Replace appliances
8. ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Your local utility company should provide a home energy audit. Schedule one!
Ideas:
Replace bulbs with LED bulbs
Install a Smart Thermostat
Swap showerheads to low-flow
Compost food scraps
Unplug devices not in use
9. HOME MAINTENANCE
Keep up with your homes exterior and interior systems (Ex. roofing, heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical)
Keep a home maintenance binder with warranties, paint colors, flooring details, vendors. You can use an app on your phone, a spreadsheet, a notebook or a binder...choose one!
10. DECLUTTER
Find a system of organizing that keeps you organized and invest in that. Get rid of items that you haven't used in a year. Catalogue old photos and videos. Create accessible storage in plastic bins. There are so many organizing resources - find the one that works for you!
