The 3 Smartest Moves Every First-Year Homeowner Should Make

Congratulations on your new home! 🎉

The first year isn’t just about settling in, it’s also about building confidence, saving money, and protecting your biggest investment.

Here are the three smartest moves you can make right now.

1. Set Up a Home Maintenance Plan

Owning a home means taking a proactive approach. A clear, realistic schedule – monthly, seasonal, and annual – keeps small issues from turning into big headaches. Think filter changes, gutter cleaning, HVAC inspections, and lawn prep. Not only does this protect your home’s value, but budgeting 1–4% of your home’s value each year for upkeep ensures you’re covered when surprises arise. And don’t forget: keeping a log of your maintenance builds value and trust in the long run.

2. Make Small Extra Payments Toward Your Mortgage

 Here’s a serious money hack: even an extra $50–$100 a month can save you years in interest and pay off your loan faster. While our Client Hub calculators don’t automatically run “extra payment” scenarios, you can use the refinance or budget tools to model your own scenarios or simply reach out, and I’ll run the numbers with you. It’s a small dose of financial discipline today that pays big dividends tomorrow.

3. Organize Your Documents & Warranties

Buyers often overlook the power of organized documentation. Store your inspection reports, receipts, warranties, and inspection notes in an easily accessible place—digital or physical. Why bother? It keeps you ready for maintenance, tax time, insurance claims, or future buyers—and reinforces your identity as a responsible homeowner.

Ready to make these moves happen? Head over to the Knowledge Library, where you’ll find bonus resources to help organize your homeownership journey confidently