You've purchased your first home and you're very excited! Lots of first time (and second and third time) buyers have great ideas on how they will improve their home. More often than not, from what my past buyer clients have told me, the goals that are set are difficult to achieve in that first year. Here are a few suggestions on what to do the first year in your new home.
1.Prioritize. What does your home really need? Is the roof or furnace near the end of it's life? Would you like to add central air conditioning? Does the landscaping need help? Should the electric panel be updated? Do you need new windows? My recommendation is to focus first and foremost on the mechanicals of the house for safety and energy efficiency.
2. Once you have determined the items that need replacement or improvement, start getting some quotes. 
My husband and I often don't agree on what to spend on major purchases because he always wants to spend more and I want to spend less. Much as I hate to admit this, when it comes to major items, he has been right. If you spend just a little more on an upgraded appliance, a more efficient furnace, a 30 year shingle, it will likely last longer and have fewer repair issues.
3. Use tools that are at your disposal such as consumer reports, the better business bureau and recommendations from friends and colleagues to find out more about the contractor or business.
4. Get more than one quote and ask for it in writing. Remember, the lowest quote is not necessarily the best.
5. Once you have determined what your project will be and the approximate cost, determine how you will pay for it. Assuming you have some time before the item needs replacement, I recommend you start saving money every month until you are ready, and don't get tempted by "prettier projects" like remodeling a bath or kitchen. The other option is an equity line of credit, assuming you started with some equity when you purchased your home. I much prefer the "save" method, since instead of paying interest, you will likely be earning it. Some people get a year end bonus which they earmark for major improvements.
6.Once you are financially ready, you will probably need to revisit your quotes.
7. Highly recommended: I'm sure it is obvious to most people, but do make sure you keep a file on all your 
improvements and hold on to all your receipts. You might be surprised at how often I hear that a furnace, hot water tank, or roof is newer, but the seller cannot produce the paperwork. Highly recommended: Once your new furnace has been installed, if the contractor has not put a sticker on it with the date of the installation, take a permanent marker and write the date on it. Same for your hot water tank or your A/C unit. This of course, is in addition to keeping your paperwork in a safe place. (My Mom once had a repairman come out for her refrigerator. When he asked how old it was she told him she thought it was "about 7 years old". He looked at the back of the fridge and said, "Ma'am, it's 17 years old". We still laugh about it but the truth is that time flies and it's just easier if you write it down somewhere. If you ask me how long it's been since Elvis died, I'd probably say 20 years. Due to my recent trip to Memphis, I now know that it has been 33!
8. Once the mechanicals are done, you can focus on the stuff that's more fun, like kitchens, baths, and landscaping.
9. Remember that your home, even if it's brand new, is a work in progress!
10. Also remember that your house is your home and the memories you build there are as important as the improvements you make to it.
If you would like to buy or sell a home in the southern communities of Cleveland Ohio, please call me at 440-263-7496, or you may want to visit my website for more specific information on the communities I service: Brecksville Ohio Real Estate, Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate, North Royalton Ohio Real Estate Independence Ohio Real Estate, Seven Hills Ohio Real Estate, Parma Ohio Real Estate, Parma Heights Ohio Real Estate and Middleburg Heights Ohio Real Estate. Information is obtained from Neohrex (Northeast Ohio Real Estate Exchange) and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale, rental, or other status changes. All properties that are advertised as being listed or sold by Barb Szabo are in conjuntion with ReMax Trinity.
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