It Takes Planning to Settle into a New Home

By Amy Collett

If you’ve recently made your first move after retirement, congratulations. Your best years lie ahead, and your home will significantly contribute to your quality of life. But, as with all things, getting settled into your environment and comfortable with your new surroundings takes a bit of planning. The Shinabarger Team shares ideas to make your new house a home by planning ahead.

Understand the cost, including a home warranty.

There are many costs that go into buying and maintaining a home. One of these is homeowners insurance. Unfortunately, while this is necessary if you have a mortgage, it does not cover everything. If you want peace of mind that your finances will be protected in case of major system breakage, consider a home warranty. Not all providers are the same, so determining best in class service is important. Start with home warranty reviews, and then look over different possible contracts to see which covers your major systems, such as your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.

Some companies also cover major appliance repairs but make sure to read the reviews and policy details first to make a more informed decision. Keep in mind that repairs that up, and a broken refrigerator can set you back nearly $500 by itself. An affordable policy can pay for itself with as few as one claim.

Coordinate furniture delivery through contractors.

Furniture deliveries are still being delayed in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, contractors are busier than ever. If you’re moving into a new home and need furniture and work done, coordinate early, and follow up often.  If possible, consider visiting a few antique furniture outlets to buy used so that you can get your hands on the pieces you need. House Beautiful recommends buying on Claude Home, Etsy, and a handful of other retailers.

Enhance security.

Even if you’re not particularly concerned about safety, it’s never a bad idea to have a home security system in place. There are plenty of DIY options to choose from, including SimpliSafe, Alder, and Ooma.

Choose quality first.

You obviously want to save money as you move, especially given that you may no longer be earning an active income. But, when choosing new features for your home, such as carpet, furniture, or plumbing upgrades, choose quality first. Carpet, for example, may not be cheap, but the Pet My Carpet carpet blog explains that you won’t have to replace it after just a few years, which can save you money in the long run.

Get to know the neighbors.

Getting to know your neighbors can be a huge factor in settling in early. Before you move into your new neighborhood, scout out local Facebook or meet up groups for people in your new hometown. If your neighborhood has an HOA, join their Facebook page as soon as you land a contract so that you can start to forge connections.

Scope out the area.

You can also preemptively get to know your new hometown by scoping out the area. Look for everything from hospitals and diners to public transportation options, the latter of which is crucial if you don’t plan to drive and wish to save money on fuel costs.

Prepare your home office.

Retirement doesn’t always mean pulling completely out of the workforce. If you plan to work part-time or start your own business as you acclimate to your new home, make sure that you get your office set up for success from the beginning. This could mean anything from having the right computer and internet connection to keeping a schedule or adding greenery to create a more positive office environment.

Maintenance matters.

No matter how much effort you put into planning, there are still things you can do to maintain a happy home for the long run. Simple steps, such as keeping it clean and organized, will reduce stress for you, your partner, and visitors. Decluttering, painting, and opening windows to let in fresh air are also great ways to eliminate stress. Another quick tip: handle small maintenance matters as they arise. Remember, the longer a problem sits, the bigger it gets.

Getting settled is a matter of planning, and the tips above can get you started. If you still have questions, call the real estate experts at the Shinabarger Team today for more insight about the area or to find the home of your retirement dreams.

When you’re ready to buy or sell in the Tri-Cities area,the Shinabarger Team at HomeSmart Elite Brokers is standing by. Call (509) 947-8076 today to learn more!