What are some of the MUST DO things as a new homeowner?

[tommy64]

Assuming you have a yard, get a good lawnmower and string trimmer. Take note of easy to miss things like trees that need trimming/removal, deteriorating fences or old sloping concrete retaining walls. You don't want overgrown trees that encroach into neighbors yards, or limbs growing onto your roof. Overgrown landscaping that contacts the house can be access for pests/rodents.

Parking can be an issue. If you have limited driveway space you may need to park on the street. Visitors/extra vehicles will need extra space. Maybe you're lucky and have alley access to the backyard and can use that area.

And get a security camera setup. And don't forget to make an extra set of keys to leave somewhere on the property for when you lock yourself out.

[Jowel]

Several people have mentioned meeting the neighbors. That's a very important point. It's good to know who your neighbors are and hopefully they're good ones, but if not, it's good to be aware of that too.

[MidValleyDad]

Some here have said that if you aren't planning on using the fireplace you can skip inspecting it for now. I disagree if your heating system (furnace) uses a flue in it. If so It needs to be inspected (and I believe should ave been done during the inspection period even if separate from the general inspection)


This is a good time of year to buy tools (next best time is just before fathers day) There are mid grade sets offered as sets (Sometimes complete with decent tool boxes of carrying cases) aimed at gifts for dad, etc.


I have always received a survey at closing. On the last house the seller provided a 1 year home warranty but I wouldn't purchase one.


Gutters I would want to at least look at. How close are the trees to the house? Are they big and hang close to the gutters? I would at least check them out. This can be done with a cell phone camera on a pole (having it in video mode feeding back to a second phone works real well a selfie stick duct taped to a length of plastic pipe can allow you to reach a pretty good ways up.


Get a good ladder sized for you. Not making any judgements but if you are like me (250 lbs +) you need a heavier grade ladder than a Walmart special (class 3) remember you may be carrying or holding 20-50 lbs along with your weight. The telescoping hinged ladders that have become common in the last 15 years or so are great being able to be adjusted to work in stairwells, etc as well as storing compactly.