GO FROM RENTER TO HOMEOWNER

You’ve been saving for a while, and you’re finally ready to move out of your apartment and take the leap to home ownership. Becoming a first-time homeowner is both an exciting and a stressful process, but the payoff is well worth it once all the papers are signed and the keys are in your hands. Be sure to read on for some useful tips for preparing for home ownership and what to expect once you move in.

Chances are, you’ve been renting from a landlord who was on the hook for minor repairs and major upgrades, not to mention yardwork and a lot of other upkeep. Now, all those tasks fall on you.

Set Some Money Aside

A good rule of thumb is to set aside one percent of your home’s purchase price per year for maintenance. So, if for example, your home cost $300,000, you should put aside $3,000, or about $250 a month, for home repairs. If you’re buying a new construction home, you shouldn’t have major repairs right away and you’ll likely have a new home warranty covering any maintenance costs. By saving this money now, particularly if you’re moving into an existing home, you won’t have any surprises if a hot water heater breaks or if you need a new roof down the line.

Inspect Before You Buy

A proper inspection of your new home will alert you to problems that already exist. There shouldn’t be any issues in a new construction home, and, if anything, only minimal issues in an existing home, but an inspection can ensure that everything is installed properly or that you can negotiate with the seller for any minor repairs to be incorporated into the purchase price.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

This doesn’t just mean keeping up with yard work and cleaning, even though they’re important. You’ll want to do an annual survey of your major appliances and know what they look like when working properly. Keep your eye on the roof or visible pipes as well – catching a problem early is key to preventing expensive repairs. Keep the name of trusted plumbers, HVAC repairmen, and electricians just in case.

Get a Hold of Your Finances

Finally, another major difference between renting and owning is the status of your finances. The first year you own a home, your taxes will become much more complex – so this might be the year you turn to a tax professional (if you don’t already do so). Second, start to budget. Chances are, you’re going to need to fill up your additional square footage with new furniture or electronics. Other things like lawn mowers, grills, and other seasonal products will be needed too, so make sure to comparison shop at the right time for a great deal.

Overlooking #9 fairway of Harbor Club and a hop, skip or jump away from the tennis courts and swimming pool, this golf course home has 3BR/2.5 baths, a bonus room & tons of storage. Immaculately maintained and recent updates inside and out!

MLS#63270 $599,000

Rare to find in city of Greensboro, updated one level brick home with 14 acres. This 4BR/3BA home has a large master, open kitchen w/island, hardwood floors in living areas and tons of outdoor areas. The acreage makes a nice recreational area.

MLS#63179 $425,000

A

Club lot with basement potential, pond frontage & view sits on .76 of an acre. The amenities include Gated entrance, Marina, Golf, Tennis, Pickle-ball, Pool & more. Membership Available. MLS#60377 $56,000

706-453-9243 | www.luxurylakeoconee.com

@LuxuryLakeOconee

TEXT: RBJHLKY TO: 52187

REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE / $4,150,000

Front Row Sunrise, Sunset Views Every Day! Extraordinary Renovated Home

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

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REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE $3,795,000

Beautiful Waterfront Home! Craftsman Style, Private Lot and Boat Dock.

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

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REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE $3,595,000

Beautiful Lakefront Home with Incredible Sunset Views. Quality Abounds!

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

TEXT: RBJHGVG TO: 52187

REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE / $3,500,000

The Homesteads Enclave. One of Lake Oconee's Most Rare and Inviting Homesites

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

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REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE / $2,995,000

Stunning Remodel on this Gorgeous Home. Offers Privacy, Lake and Location

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

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REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE / $2,995,000

Beautifully Remodeled Lake Front Home Just Minutes to the Ritz Carlton

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

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REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE / $2,695,000

Stunning New Construction Home on #10 of The Creek Club Course

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

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REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE / $2,450,000

Ultimate Lake Front Estate with 4.41 Private Acres and Max Dock

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

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REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE / $2,350,000

Majestic Setting on 2.2 Acre Private Lakefront Oasis.

RIEZL BAKER 706-347-2625

706.473.0990 | 706.749.3331

LAKEOCONEEEXPERTS.COM •

EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO OWN 138 TURN KEY ACRES IN THE LAKE OCONEE/LAKE SINCLAIR AREA!

647 Pea Ridge Road is a Paradise Rich in Diversity lending Itself to Quiet Tranquil Privacy, Excellent Fishing, Horses or Hunting. The Effort put into this Property will not go unnoticed! It's a Must See with 138 acres showcasing a Beautiful 3500 sqft Custom Home offering 3 BD, 3 BA, 2 Half Baths & Kids Bunk Room. 15 ac. Lake is managed for Trophy Bass w/Dock & Boat Lift + Smaller Pond w/Beach, Pasture & Small Barn Perfect for Horses. The Wooded Acres with a Hardwood Bottom and Creek are Perfect for Trail Riding & Hunting Deer or Turkey.

HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER SECTION OF HARBOR RIDGE IN HARBOR CLUB

Charming 3 bed, 2.5 bath home. Conveniently located within walking distance of the Clubhouse/Restaurant, Proshop, Pool and Tennis Courts. This home offers a nice Open Floor Plan with Beautiful Floor to Ceiling Stone Fireplace, SS appliances, Granite tops, Hardwood floors throughout the Main Level, Recent Renovations include Complete Master Bath renovation, new 2nd floor HVAC, Water Filtration System, Second Floor LVP flooring, Freshly Painted. Beautifully landscaped and move in ready! MLS#10121511 $599,000