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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7417 W Northview Avenue Glendale, AZ 85303

$460,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,986 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666090

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is our Concerto plan with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath home. The kitchen is beautifully designed with 42-inch grey cabinetry, Quartz counters and stainless-steel appliances. The adjacent great room includes a multi-slide door extending perfect for indoor/outdoor living. Upstairs a generously sized loft is perfect for additional living. The Primary Suite features a large bath with shower a huge walk-in closet. Don't miss this home! ^^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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7433 W State Avenue Glendale, AZ 85303

$460,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,986 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690143

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Under Construction new build home with a May 2024 move-in! This is an amazing single family 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom with a 2-car garage on north/south exposure homesite within the desirable Alto gated community!!! This Concerto floor plan features beautiful interior selections such as granite kitchen countertops, modern 42'' full overlay cabinets, contemporary imperfect smooth walls, and stainless kitchen appliances plus much more. Make time to visit this neighborhood soon! ^^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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41108 W Haley Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$460,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,142 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6632233

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

READY FOR MOVE-IN... This home has 4 bedrooms with a flex space to be used as den or a formal space. We added a shower in the powder room for a total of 3 full baths. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with dual vanity sinks. Stainless steel gas range. Benton ''White'' Birch cabinets throughout the home with 42'' kitchen uppers and roll outs at pantry. AZT Della Terra Quartz countertops in the owner's bath and at the kitchen and on the enhanced kitchen island. Tile backsplash in the kitchen has Colorwheel 4x16 tile. Upgrade flooring includes level 9 carpet in bedrooms/closets and the remaining of the home has DT Cannes Masso 18x18 tile in the great room, kitchen, entry, halls, bathrooms and laundry and so much more.

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16969 W Maya Way Surprise, AZ 85387

$460,983

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,025 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691032

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful new home located in the heart of Sunrise. Very spacious Antelope plan, high performance home on an E/W located close to a neighboring school. This home is absolutely perfect for a growing family, or busy professionals who are ready to unpack, hang up a few pictures, and keep living life to its fullest! This popular floor plan includes Gourmet Kitchen, Home Automation, Geofencing, whole house air purification system, study is set up with Flex option for home office, gaming or home school complete with solid double doors.

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18022 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$460,700

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,476 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665848

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this incredible floorplan, MOVE IN READY! An amazing layout with 4 bedrooms upstairs, a den downstairs, and 2.5 baths. In addition to being energy efficient and a Smart Home, the many upgrades make this one stand out. Great curb appeal, partial view fence, great size yard great for entertaining. Two-tone paint, 9' ceilings. Beautiful white cabinets, granite kitchen and baths, island, and walk in pantry. Lots of room to cook and move around! !

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18045 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$460,535

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,476 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681312

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this incredible floorplan, MOVE IN READY! An amazing layout with 4 bedrooms plus a loft, and 3 baths. In addition to being energy efficient and a Smart Home, the many upgrades make this one stand out. Great curb appeal, nice size yard great for entertaining. Two-tone paint, 9' ceilings. Beautiful dark cabinets, granite in the kitchen and baths, island, and walk in pantry. Lots of room to cook and move around! !

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20227 W Badgett Lane Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$460,290

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,049 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682093

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new, energy-efficient home available NOW! Large great room and dining space. The kids can create their own play space in the included flex space. Umber cabinets with white/grey granite countertops, wood-look tile flooring with multi-tone carpet in our Elemental package. This master planned community provides quick access to I-10 and Loop 303. Your family will love the amenities including sports courts, walking trails, playgrounds and ramadas. We also build each home with innovative, energy-efficient features that cut down on utility bills so you can afford to do more living.* Visit Canyon Views today. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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17047 W Butler Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$460,243

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,897 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6660133

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Let the Sabino floor plan welcome you home with ample room for the whole family. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms with a expansive primary bedroom, you're primed to live in domestic bliss. Kitchen features Benton White cabinets with 42″ uppers, Frost quartz counter-tops and Marazzi Artezen backsplash! Tile throughout the home in a Vicinity Natural color! Our High Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology, a Remo Halo Air Purification system designed with you in mind to keep you more comfortable in your new home. This home is conveniently located close to the 303 and northern parkway!

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19610 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$460,193

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6676082

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this must-see Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a center island and a roomy pantry; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

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2629 S Equestrian Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$460,005

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6617577

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Remarkable new 2-story condo offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an attached garage. This Spanish-style property is move-in ready! Located in the Towns of Annecy, home owners enjoy gated access, a community pool and spa, a playground, and walking and biking paths, perfect for taking in the lake views. The condo features designers selections and upgrades throughout including Nutmeg Shaker Winstead stained brown cabinets, a Delta Trinsic Faucet Collection, ''Frost'' Quartz countertops in the kitchen, and Matte Black cabinet and door hardware. The kitchen boasts a stainless GE dishwasher, microwave, and slide in electric range. 6'' x 36'' Floor Tile in the living, kitchen, and dining area in addition to the carpeted bedrooms. Ample storage throughout. Soft water loop pre-plumb only.

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Avenida Ostiones Sec 6 Lot 20 -- Outside Of Usa 00000

$460,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,551 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6621817

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the serene coastal community of Las Conchas, this beautiful under-construction custom home with scheduled completion for Summer 2024 offers a rare opportunity to live the ultimate beachside lifestyle. The home's architecture is a harmonious blend of modern design and coastal charm. Clean lines, large windows, and high ceilings create a sense of space and light throughout. The home offers two primary suites located on the second and first floors. On the first floor, a two car gararge, a primary suite with a walk-in shower and a generously sized walk-in closet, two secondary bedrooms, a laundry room, a full bathroom, and a living room. The upstairs features an open space living-dining room, a kitchen fully equipped with cabinetry, and a spacious island perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests. Also, a half bathroom and a second primary suite with access to the main terrace overlooking the ocean, a spa-like bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a generously sized walk-in closet. Lastly, a relaxing rooftop terrace with glass railing to enjoy the beautiful sea of Cortez. Take advantage of our pre-construction pricing now!

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21743 N Daniel Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$460,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,073 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688227

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience modern luxury in this 2023-built gem located inRancho El Dorado, Maricopa City. Unlike typical spec homes, this residence was meticulously crafted from scratch, offering premium finishes and upgrades. With 3 beds, a den, 2 baths, and an oversized garage, it's perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Enjoy natural light, front yard landscaping, and included appliances. Plus, access Rancho El Dorado's amenities. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity for upscale living at an unbeatable price.

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