Buying Your First Home? Learn These 5 Essential Home Maintenance Skills as Soon as Possible

New homes can be scary. But when you take the time to think about it, and plan ahead, maintaining a home is easier than you think a manageable mix of experience and common sense. Here are five skills that will help maintain your new home for years to come.

Fixing A Toilet

It’s not as daunting as it sounds. Just remember that toilets work with gravity the water wants to flow freely. Don’t be afraid to open that tank up and adjust the floater and valves as needed. Occasionally run the water (flush the toilet, turn on the sink) in unused rooms, like the guest bathroom, to keep the pipes clear and functioning.

Dealing With Animals

Sometimes your animal neighbors invite themselves in. While it’s always better to use professionals if you have a large-scale or persistent pest problem, there are steps you can take to minimize animal visitors before it comes to that. Check for termites by looking for raised, hollow tubes along the wood (tubes filled with bugs). If you have mice, and know how they’re getting in, block their holes with steel wool and set friendly traps ones that capture instead of kill. But make sure to release the captives far from your home.

Electricity and Water Awareness

Know how to shut off your electricity and water, just in case. Find the shut-offs when you first move in. And take the time then to test the breakers and label them, clearly, directly, with permanent marker. That way there is no confusion if one gets tripped.

A Regular Deep Clean

On a regular basis, give your house a deep clean. Scrub the bathrooms, clean the kitchen appliances and floors/walls. Doing this will not only prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime, which could lead to bigger problems later on, but will also give you a chance to do a run-down of your house and see what needs fixing/updating/replacing.

Be Prepared

Gather your home maintenance kit (Home Maintenance for Dummies has examples) before you need it, and keep it up if you use all the nails, replace them. It’s also a good idea to make a maintenance calendar with notes on what needs to be done when this makes it easy for the homeowner, and anyone they need to step in. Finally, in being prepared, don’t forget to maintain your fire and carbon monoxide detectors with regular checks and battery changes (suggested every six months, regardless of battery life).

Your first step in preparation is to contact me to find you the perfect home – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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2329 E Bowker Street Phoenix, AZ 85040

$460,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,073 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687666

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here's a great opportunity to own a large 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home in an amzingly convenient Phoenix neighborhood. Features include: Tiled floors Large kitchen with tons of counter and cabinet space, Gas stove, built-in surround sound in family room, loft and patio, large covered patio, fireplace, huge master suite, Built-In BBQ area. The neighborhood features mature trees, parks, playgrounds, a basketball court and a community pool! home is located just minutes from just about anything you could want or need. There's restaurants, easy freeway access, job opportunities, golf, hiking and more just minutes away. You'll also be close to Downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor, etc. Hurry and take a look! *The sale may be subject to Court approval.

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11865 N Allegro Road Maricopa, AZ 85139

$460,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,440 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684957

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nearly 5 acres of fenced horse property with a site built metal frame block stucco home! Home has recently been upgraded with wood-look tile flooring throughout! Spacious bright kitchen, includes all appliances & large breakfast bar w/storage overlooking living room! Primary bedrm & bath have jetted tub, remodeled vanity, walk-in & secondary closets. Guest bathrm has matching remodeled vanity. Huge laundry rm connects to primary bath w/door provides privacy. Key items include: 400' deep well & 2 neighbors pay for water usage, 45x36' concrete slab ready for supersized garage, gravel driveways, storage sheds, new water heater, watersoftner, fans thru out, full covered front patio, newer exterior paint & 7 pine trees w/irrigation. All this in quaint Hidden Valley surrounded by mountains!

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5843 W Crocus Drive Glendale, AZ 85306

$460,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,130 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686851

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful home in highly desired area featuring spacious split floorplan, large bedrooms, newer kitchen cabinets with granite, eat-in kitchen nook, formal living and dining and large family room! Newer light fixtures, ceiling fans, covered patio and a private pool for entertaining in hot AZ! Plenty of parking space, extended driveway, 10' RV gate with concrete pad for your toys and much, much more!

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854 S Cerise -- Mesa, AZ 85208

$460,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,769 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly sought after 4 bedroom single level floor plan rarely on the market. HVAC replaced in 2019, Water Heater in 2023 Sstainless steel appliances plus washer & dryer convey. Neutral Two Tone Paint Throughout home. The 2 car garage has epoxy coated floor. OLD REPUBLIC Home Warranty in place & transferrable to Buyer. This home has lots of upgrades including granite kitchen counter tops, tile floors in all the right places, ceiling fans throughout, all appliances included, desert landscape in front yard & paver hardscape with synthetic grass in rear yard for easy maintenance. This is a gr spacious single level home located in a gated community within close proximity to nearby schools, city park as well as shopping, dining, medical center & easy freeway access. This is one you have to see

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