10 Skills Every New Homeowner Should Have

Homeownership is an investment in your future. As with all investments, your home requires constant vigilance and a little maintenance along the way to protect its value. When you buy a home, the following are ten skills you should master as soon as you sign on the dotted line.

1. Gutter Clean-Out
   You should clean your home's gutters of leaves and debris twice a year. A leaf blower, hose, and broom handle can make this job a little bit easier. Cleaning the gutters help protect your roof and siding from water infiltration. It also helps ensure proper drainage away from the foundation.
   
   
2. Adjusting the Water Temperature
   Learning how to set the thermostat on your water heater can generate significant energy savings. Most homeowners find that 120 degrees are sufficient for their needs. Raise the temp when company comes, and lower it when they go home. If you do this, you will have plenty of hot water, and your energy bills won't go through the roof.
   
   
3. Air Filter Replacement
   Air filters do more than protect the air quality within the home. They are an integral component of your heating system that regulates the flow of air into the unit. When the filter is clogged, the airflow is reduced. This diminishes operational efficiency and can shorten the lifespan of the unit. Depending on the filter and pollution levels, you should change the air filters every 30-90 days.
   
   
4. Faucet/Toilet Repair
   Leaky faucets can drain your wallet. Learning how to tighten the valves, replace rubber washers, and adjust the water flow can help you stem the flow of cash to the water company. The same is true for toilets that can flow uncontrolled when the float, chain, or flapper within the toilet tank break.
   
   
5. Natural Gas Shut-Off
   It is crucial to know how to shut the gas off in an emergency. When natural gas leaks occur, it is critical to vacate the home immediately, contact the gas company, and turn the shut-off valve which is typically located on the outdoor meter.
   
   
6. Controlling the Power
   Your circuit breakers should be labeled, and you should know where the grounded outlets are within your home. It is a good idea to experiment and determine which breakers control which outlets and the capacity of each of these outlets. This can help you prevent overloading the breaker as you settle in and unpack.
   
   
7. Landscaping 101
   You should know how to mow the grass, trim the shrubs, rake leaves, and do other yard maintenance. You will also want to learn how to care for the plants, flowers, trees, and other foliage within your existing landscape.
   
   
8. Sealing Air Leaks
   Air leaks around doors and windows can suck your wallet dry. Learning how to detect air leaks and apply weather stripping or caulk is a valuable homeowner skill worth mastering. Sealing air leaks can save you up to 15% on your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.
   
   
9. Appliance Maintenance
   Refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, washers, and dryers all require regular maintenance. This is outlined within the owner's manuals which you should keep together for easy reference. Failing to perform these maintenance tasks can void the warranty, so it is not something you want to ignore.
   
   
10. Painting & Patching Walls
    You don't have to become Michelangelo, but you will want to know how to paint over scratches and repair holes. Learning how to fix the damage and paint over your handiwork can keep each room within your home in pristine condition.

Being a homeowner comes with its own set of responsibilities, but by mastering these skills, you can easily be ready for different problems that might come up.

• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs
• Home Happiness 101: Small Upgrades That Can Make Every Day Feel Better
• Fall Cleaning Tips For Decluttering Before the Holidays
• How to Create a Cozy Fall Retreat in Your Backyard
• Why Fall is Prime Time for Window Replacement
• Tips for Transitioning Your Closet From Summer to Fall

• Why September Is the Best Month to Paint Your Home's Exterior
• End-of-Summer Pool Closing Tips

• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties
• Browsing for Homes Online? Follow These Shopping Tips
• How to Look Past Bad Staging
• What Happens If Interest Rates Change After You Buy?
• How to Compare Two Homes You Love
• Post-Holiday Finances: How to Reset Your Budget for Home Buying
• New Year, New Home: How to Set Smart Home-Buying Goals for the Year Ahead

• Looking Beyond Closets: How to Evaluate a Home's Storage Potential
• Time-Off Tips: Using Your Holiday Break for Real Estate Decision-Making

• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence
• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy
• What's the Difference Between Listing a Home and Marketing It?
• How to Respond to Buyer Feedback Without Panicking
• Transparency Builds Trust: Why Honesty Sells Homes Faster
• Winter Selling Myths That Shouldn't Keep You From Listing
• The Value of Local Market Knowledge When Selling Your Home
• Selling in Snowy Conditions: Safety, Access, and Presentation Tips

• Making Your Home Smell Like Home: Winter Scents That Attract Buyers
• Handling Relocation Buyers During the Holidays