Most home buyers will know the obvious key issues. First, of course, is is make your payments or time. Likewise, keep your home owner insurance in force including flood insurance if you are in a flood zone.
So, aside from the obvious issues, what is my number one rule for new home owners?
Page one of your home owner manual should read in BOLD...."Do not neglect maintenance issues - ever."
This means preventative maintenance on major systems. This means when the little things happen, address them. Little problems can become major problems very easily.
This also means to know your limits.
Don't attempt things you are not qualified to handle regardless of how easy it appears on television. I have seen many examples with results that can best be described as collateral damage.
Do not make repairs, additions or changes that require obtaining a permit (and accompanying inspections). Eventually that permit issue will rear its head.
Finally, turning a blind eye to a problem doesn't mean it will not rear its ugly head when you go to sell. This would be rule number one in my homeowner's manual.
And when you do get ready to sell your Melbourne, Florida home, you will not be jumping through hoops doing all the little things required to get the best price possible for your Melbourne, Florida home.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
