Veranda - You’ve Bought Your First Home, Now What?

Buying your first home is exciting. But once you’ve unpacked those moving boxes, what do you do? What should you do? There are some very important items you should be crossing off your do-list. Here are a few. Follow them and “future you” will thank you.

Set Up Your Security System

Most Veranda builders include smart technology and security devices in their homes. However, they won’t be active until you move in. If Amazon powers your home automation system, call them. Likewise, if you are wired for home security, contact a home security company to come out and get you set up.

Take Stock of Your Possessions

Life happens. Make sure you are covered. Chances are, your homeowners insurance covers a lot, but what exactly? Creating a spreadsheet of your valuables will make it easier to recover those things in the event of an accident. Be sure to update it and keep a copy of that document at work or in the cloud.

Make a Maintenance Plan

If you want to keep your new home in mint condition, you will need a maintenance plan. Create a schedule to remind you to do things like changing the air filters or clean the gutters. If Excel gives you fits, there are apps that can help. Try Home Zada orBrightNest to build a list of maintenance chores.

Create an Emergency Fund

Your new home in Veranda home is under warranty but eventually, you will have to pay for repairs. Start an emergency fund now. Experts suggest setting aside 1 percent of the purchase price of your home for repairs and maintenance. Automate those savings by directing a percentage of your take-home pay to an account earmarked for housing expenses.

Consider Mortgage Payment Protection

Mortgage payment protection covers your monthly payments if you lose your job, become disabled or die. Research carefully. Some job-loss or disability policies cover payments for only up to two years. What's more, the value of the policy decreases as you repay your mortgage.

Finally, Meet Your Neighbors

Make friends. Your neighbors can tell you where the best restaurants are, recommend landscaping companies and watch your house while you’re on vacation. A great place to meet them is at one of the great resident-only events planned by our Director of Fun!

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