Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners

#5 Pay off home sooner / make extra mortgage payments.  There are a lot of different types of mortgages so make sure to check with your lender about what’s allowed with your loan.  If possible make extra payments that you designate to the principle of your mortgage.  Paying your mortgage off sooner can relieve a lot of stress, not to mention allow you to use the money for other things sooner. 

#4 Get organized or declutter, whatever you want to call it, everybody wants to do it.  Humans obviously fail at this year after year, yet it is constantly on our wish list.  This year, commit to keeping the piles to a minimum.  

#3 Reduce Energy Consumption.  You don’t have to go and cover your roof in big solar panels, technology has brought with it many simpler ways to help reduce your carbon footprint.  You can start with things as simple as using those blue recycle bins, if you don’t already, or by eliminating single-use plastics from your home.  If it’s time to replace your appliances, give energy-efficient options a try. Insulating your home can not only help reduce the energy it takes to heat or cool your home but can save you money on your electric bill as well.  We now have things like smart bulbs, plugs, and thermostats that you can either program or control from your phone.  No more forgetting to turn off the lights or to turn down the heat, now you can just get on your phone and do it remotely!

There are so many more options that help with energy consumption like having your HVAC serviced regularly or having an energy audit done on your home.  You should easily be able to make one or two small changes that can make a difference.

#2 Update or remodel the things that would make your life easier, more comfortable, or add value to your home.  Ideally, the things that make your life easier or more comfortable will also add value to your home.  If there is anything homeowners have learned over the last couple of years it’s that we need a home that functions well for the whole family and can not only be where we live but also where we work and play.  You have likely gained appreciation recently and might be able to use that for whatever renovation will make your home your oasis.  If you plan on staying in your home for several years, why not use the equity to make your life easier and happier today?

#1  Decide NOW whether or not to refinance.  According to most experts, mortgage rates will be creeping up from here on out, and they have reached 3.75% faster than expected.  Remember, the Federal Reserve’s primary tool against inflation is interest rates, and as of right now they expect to raise rates three times in 2022. 

Start 2022 off right by getting your home in order, helping to make the rest of the year that much easier.  

If you don’t want to make any renovations on your home and just want a clean slate, give me a call and I’ll find you a place that won’t need to be on your resolutions list!

Comment below to share what your New Year’s resolutions are for your home.