A Checklist for Your First Year of Homeownership: Beyond the First 30 Days
You’ve survived the closing, the move, and the initial wave of unpacking. But the journey of responsible homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint. The first year is a critical learning period where you establish the habits and systems that will protect your investment for years to come.
Here is a checklist of key tasks to tackle beyond the first 30 days of owning your new home.
The First 3 Months: Establishing Your Systems
- Create a Home Maintenance Calendar: Move beyond immediate fixes. Set up a digital calendar or use an app to schedule recurring seasonal tasks (e.g., cleaning gutters in the fall, servicing the A/C in the spring).
- Build a List of Trusted Contractors: Don’t wait for an emergency. Ask neighbors for recommendations and compile a list of trusted plumbers, electricians, and handymen.
- Review Your Home Inspection Report: Now that you’ve lived in the house for a bit, re-read your inspection report. Note any items that were marked as “nearing end of life” and start planning for their eventual replacement.
- Finalize Your Home Inventory: If you haven’t already, complete a detailed inventory of your belongings for insurance purposes.
The First 6 Months: Financial Check-In
- Review Your Budget: After six months of mortgage payments and utility bills, you have a realistic picture of your monthly housing costs. Review your budget and adjust as needed.
- Start a Dedicated Home Repair Fund: Set up an automatic transfer to a high-yield savings account specifically for unexpected home repairs. Experts recommend saving 1-2% of your home’s value annually.
- Check Your Property Tax Records: Ensure that the county has your correct name and address on file and that you understand when your property tax payments are due.
Your One-Year Anniversary
- Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance: Your needs may have changed. Contact your insurance agent to review your coverage limits and see if you are eligible for any new discounts.
- Conduct an Annual Maintenance Review: Walk through your home and perform a top-to-bottom check. Look for signs of leaks, inspect window and door seals, and test all safety devices.
- Plan for the Next Year’s Improvements: Based on your review, create a prioritized list of any improvements or major repairs you want to tackle in the coming year.
How Domidocs Helps You Conquer Your First Year
Domidocs is the perfect digital command center to help you transition from a new, overwhelmed homeowner to a confident, organized one.
Our platform is designed to help you master this checklist. You can use Domidocs to set up your home maintenance calendar with automated reminders so you never forget a task. It’s the perfect place to store your list of trusted contractors and your home inspection report. Our secure vault helps you organize your budget and tax documents**, and our home inventory tool makes that critical task simple. By starting with Domidocs from day one, you build a strong foundation for a lifetime of stress-free homeownership.
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