Is there anything better than a fresh start? We’re not only in a new year, but a new decade! How exciting is that?

A lot of us start the year setting intentions for ourselves, like taking better care of our health or our finances. But what about our homes?

The quality of our home directly impacts the quality of our lives (including our health and finances!), so it only makes sense to have a few New Year’s resolutions to make our homes a little bit better this year.

Here are a few ways to be a better homeowner in 2020:

1. Invest in preventative maintenance

There’s a reason roofers look forward to rainy season… 

Most people wait until it’s too late to invest in home repairs!

With everything else going on in life, it can be difficult to remember (or want to do) regular check-ups on home appliances and areas that need more attention. But, doing these things can save you money in the long run, since deferred maintenance can often cost far more than preventative maintenance. Also, keeping up with these projects can set you up for a much easier time when it’s time to sell your home.

Some things to put on your to-do list are:

 ✓ Inspecting hot water heat system radiators and convectors

 ✓ Cleaning and inspecting septic tanks annually

 ✓ Checking the pressure and expiration date on all of your fire extinguishers

 ✓ Re-caulking tile in the kitchen and/or bathroom

 ✓ Touching up exterior paint

Making a point of choosing one or two of these to do each month can make your life a whole lot easier in the long run and will give you peace of mind as a bonus.

2. Increase your monthly mortgage payments… even if it’s just a little!

With rising taxes and insurance rates, you can give yourself a little bit of breathing room by upping your mortgage payments as much as you can comfortably afford. This can help to increase the equity on your home by just enough to shave off some of the interest and decrease the time it takes to pay off the home. It can also give you more money to play with for a down payment on a new home should you decide to relocate. Even an extra $50-100 a month can make a difference!

3. Make your home more energy-efficient

Energy costs can be a huge pain point for homeowners, especially those with larger homes that need extra cooling and lighting. This year, take some time to look into greener options that can save you money on your energy bills, like LED lighting or solar panels. You could potentially save thousands of dollars every year just by making this one change. 

Another way to make your home more energy efficient is simple: add more insulation. Make sure that windows and doors are properly sealed and caulked if needed, and invest in insulating curtains for extra protection to keep heat or cool air in depending on the season. 

What questions do you have about owning a home? Our experts are always available to speak with you about buying, selling, or investing.

Schedule an appointment with us