u/readinginfo__

Last name: Howard

I’m about to close on my first home, and honestly, I’m excited but also a little overwhelmed. I’ve only lived in apartments before, so owning a home is a completely new world for me.
I’m moving from Davidson County to Mt. Juliet, TN and purchasing a new construction home.
One thing I want to share is that I don’t really have parents to teach me about these kinds of things, so I’m hoping you all can treat me like the daughter you wish you could give advice to. 😂❤️
If you’re a homeowner, what is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you bought your first house? Or something you wish you had purchased sooner?
I’d especially love advice on things like:
🏠 New construction: What should I pay extra attention to during the walkthrough, inspection, and first year?
🔧 Maintenance: What maintenance should I be doing monthly, seasonally, and annually?
🕵🏽‍♀️ Inspections: What inspections are actually worth paying for after moving in?
🧰 Tools/equipment: What are those “you don’t realize you need it until you own a house” items?
🧹 Cleaning: Any cleaning products, equipment, or supplies that are actually worth the money?
🌳 Lawn/landscaping: What should I know about taking care of a new-construction yard?
🛠️ Services: Any home services you recommend signing up for or having on a regular schedule?
🛋️ Furnishing: What should I prioritize buying first versus things I can wait on?
💰 Saving money: What things are worth spending money on and what things are totally unnecessary?
📅 Keeping organized: How do you keep track of maintenance schedules, warranties, inspections, HVAC servicing, filters, etc.?
🔐 Security: Any smart-home/security devices you swear by?
📋 Warranties: Anything specific I should make sure I understand with a new-construction builder warranty?
🏡 Mt. Juliet/TN specifically: Anything about the area, weather, utilities, contractors, services, taxes, etc. that a new homeowner should know?
I’ve also heard about the Lowe’s homeowner programs, but I’m definitely open to other programs, discounts, memberships, or resources that might be useful for a new homeowner.
Basically, give me all the advice you wish someone had given you before you became a homeowner. 😂
Even if it seems obvious to you, I probably don’t know it yet!
I’d love to make this transition as smooth as possible and hopefully avoid some of the expensive “I wish I knew that sooner” mistakes.