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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174 E Palomino Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$459,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,921 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689071

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful single-story home in golf course Community, Johnson Ranch. Kitchen upgraded with granite Counters & backsplash. Brand new luxury vinyl through the home. Neutral wall colors, Large RV gate, 2 car garage. Backyard features a large oversized lot with a beautiful sparkling pebble tech pool. Lots of amenities in the area including Community Heated Pool and Spa, Tennis & Pickleball Courts, Walking Paths and Playgrounds plus Pitch & Putt course. ,

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26310 N 131st Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$459,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,820 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690392

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Rancho Cabrillo Subdivision in North Peoria, nestled between Lake Pleasant and the White Tank Mountains where the sunset glow dances across the natural beauty of the Arizona desert landscape. With 1820 sq. ft. of interior living space, 3 BED + Office/Den, 2 Baths and a 2 CAR Garage. Open concept main living area, crisp light gray color pallet with white trim and doors. Stylish multi-color wood look plank ceramic floors that compliment any decorating style. Open concept kitchen, dark espresso cabinets, black/white granite countertops, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances package and a walk-in pantry for all your storage needs. Open master suite with updated ceiling light/fan fixture and can lighting. Master Bath features double sinks, a large tiled shower with seating and a walk in closet. 2 additional bedrooms, a full bath plus a spacious front Office/Den, that makes a great flex space for work, family or guests. Step out back and take a deep breath, property backs up to a green space, low maintenance with a paved covered patio and seating area, green space for pets or games. Neighborhood mountain views, close proximity to 303 freeway access, 10 minutes to TSMC, shopping, dining, entertainment, health care, and less than 20 min. away from beautiful Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

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8534 E Navarro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$459,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,729 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693497

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3 bedroom home plus a den in great neighborhood! You get Gilbert's great Schools but pay Mesa's low taxes! Amazing kitchen has granite countertops, double ovens, gas cook top, white painted raised panel staggered cabinets, built in micro & under cabinet lighting. Home has beautiful wood tile flooring throughout, upgraded baseboards, NEW DUAL PAINE VINYL WINDOWS 2019, high end Pella double doors with built in blinds, ceiling fans, canned lights, neutral paint, vaulted ceilings. Open & spacious floorplan! Den could easily be used as 4th bedroom. Great backyard with covered patio, 3 citrus trees (lime, lemon & grapefruit) & large grassy play area. Great location just down the street from a large park, super close to both the 202 & US 60 freeways & plenty of shopping/entertainment!

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864 S 80th Street Mesa, AZ 85208

$459,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,984 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Beautiful Home in Fountain of the Sun in a Gated Active Adult Community in Mesa, Furnished, 3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath, Updated Kitchen w/ Soft Close White Cabinetry, Large Pantry Area, Granite Counters and Stainless Appliances, Large Open Floor Plan with Tile Flooring , Primary Bedroom w/Walk-In Closet, French Doors & Updated Bathroom w/ Walk-In Shower, 2 Guest Bedrooms w/ Updated Guest Bathroom w/ Walk-In Shower, Carpet in the Bedrooms, Large Laundry Area w/ Wash Sink and 1/2 Bath, Storage Room, Updated Dual Pane Windows, New Roof (2019), New Water Heater (2024), Beautiful Covered Back Patio Area (10' by 30'') with Fenced in Yard Great for Entertaining, Terrific Front Courtyard!

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