From House Hunter to Handy Homeowner

From House Hunter to Handy Homeowner

Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone in life, but it's essential to approach the process with a healthy dose of realism. Finding your dream home might take time, and compromises may be necessary. As a new homeowner, learning some DIY skills can be empowering, cost-effective, and even fun.

Being realistic when looking for your first home

1. Define your budget: Before starting your home search, look honestly at your finances and set a realistic budget—factor in the deposit and monthly mortgage payments, rates, and maintenance expenses. Avoid stretching yourself too thin financially, as home ownership has inevitable extra costs. Contact your local mortgage broker, who can help you through these essential financial steps.

2. Prioritise your needs: Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home. Consider factors like location, size, number of bedrooms, amenities, and proximity to essential services. Be prepared to compromise, as finding a home that ticks every box may be challenging.

3. Understand the market: Real estate markets fluctuate, and the inventory of available homes varies. Research the housing market in your desired area to understand what you can realistically expect within your budget. Patience is crucial in waiting for the right opportunity.

4. Get a professional inspection: Invest in a thorough professional inspection when you find a potential home. This step will help uncover hidden issues, allowing you to decide whether the property is worth pursuing.

5. Consider future needs: While your first home may not be your forever home, it's essential to consider your future needs. When deciding, consider factors like job changes, family growth, and the possibility of selling the property.

Consider contacting one of your local Property Brokers' salespeople; they live and work in your neighbourhood, so they can accurately point you in the right direction.

Easy DIY skills to get started

1. Painting: Painting walls, ceilings, and furniture is a simple and effective way to refresh the look of your new home. Start with small projects like an accent wall or furniture before tackling larger areas.

2. Hanging shelves and pictures: Learning how to use a drill and level to hang shelves and pictures is valuable. It lets you personalise your living space while keeping it organised and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Gardening and landscaping: Gardening can be a rewarding hobby if you have outdoor space. Start with easy-to-grow plants and learn the basics of lawn care and maintenance.

4. Hanging curtains or blinds: Dressing up your windows with curtains or blinds is an easy way to add a personal touch to your living space. Learning how to install curtain rods or blinds can be a fun and rewarding project.

5. Installing shelving systems: Adding shelving units to your walls or closets is a versatile way to increase storage space and keep your home organised.

6. Painting furniture: Upcycling and giving new life to old furniture through painting and refinishing can be a creative and enjoyable DIY project.

Remember, when attempting any DIY project, always prioritise safety and be willing to ask for help or seek professional assistance if you need clarification on a particular task. Start small, gain confidence, and gradually take on more complex projects as your skills improve.

Finding your first home is a significant life event, and taking a realistic approach will help you make a decision that aligns with your financial capacity and future needs. Remember that compromises are normal; you can turn any house into a cozy home with time and effort. As a new homeowner, developing DIY skills can save money on maintenance and repairs and provide a sense of accomplishment and independence. Start with straightforward projects and gradually build your confidence as you take on more challenging tasks. With patience and practice, you'll become a more capable and self-sufficient homeowner in no time. Happy house hunting and DIY-ing!