Have you just bought a house? As a new homeowner, you probably have a giant list of all the things you want to use to fill your new home. Although it’s exciting and fun to pick out your favorite sofa, the best drapes, and new rugs, you might want to put your Pinterest board down for just a minute! Here are five (often overlooked) things every new homeowner needs to buy:
- Re-Key
The first, and most important, thing a new homeowner needs to buy is a new set of keys. Although the keys that were given to you at closing are new to you, there’s no telling who else has a copy of those keys. Your seller may have given them to a friend or two to do some house sitting. Or your seller’s parents might have a spare key. A neighbor that you don’t necessarily know may have one too! For safety’s sake (and your peace of mind) start home ownership by purchasing a re-key.
With Landmark Home Warranty, you can get a re-key for the cost of your service call fee. This re-key will cover up to 6 locks (including deadbolts) and provide four copies of the key. Normally, re-key services cost between $96-$210 according to Home Advisor, so you’ll be saving a lot of money by using your home warranty plan from Landmark for this service. If you already have a home warranty through Landmark, open a service request for re-key here!
- Emergency Supply Kit
Although it’s not the most glamorous thing to purchase when you’re a new homeowner (buying home décor seems like such a better option!), every new homeowner needs an emergency supply kit. According to Ready.gov, this kit should include:
- flashlights
- batteries
- candles
- a first-aid kit
- non-perishable food and water for 72 hours (One gallon of water per person per day for three days. Don’t forget to factor in pets!)
- can opener
- blankets
- toiletries
- fire extinguisher
- cash
- important documents
These items can be packed away in an accessible closet or bedroom so you can grab them immediately if something happens.
- Cleaning Supplies and Tools
This may seem like a less exciting home purchase, but when you purchase a home, you are going to need cleaning supplies and a tool kit. You are now responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of this new home you’ve purchased! That means you’ll probably clean a little more thoroughly, especially around your home’s systems and appliances to make sure they work for as long as possible. You also will have to either take care of repairs and replacements by yourself or by call a contractor. This is where the tool kit comes in handy! Of course, if you have a home warranty when your home’s systems and appliances fail, you can have them repaired or replaced easily by calling and opening a service request.
- Home Security System
When sleeping in a new place, you’re always bound to let bumps in the night make your heart race. Since you don’t know how easy it is to get into your new home, protect your belongings and peace of mind with a home security system. Make sure to connect this to a fire alarm and CO monitor!
If you have a home warranty plan through Landmark, you’re in luck! Landmark Home Services helps homeowners get settled in their new home with special deals on home security. Give Landmark Home Services a call today at X to set up your home security system and get an amazing deal.
- A Home Warranty Plan
A home’s systems and appliances can be complex! When you purchase a home, they often come with older, previously used systems and appliances. Aging home systems and appliances can cause problems for homeowners, since most homeowners aren't an all-in-one electric, plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and appliance contractor. That's why getting a home warranty is a good idea. It covers what home insurance doesn't cover.
With a home warranty, if your heating, cooling, electric or plumbing systems goes out, you call Landmark, open a service request, and pay a small service call fee. If the repair or replacement is covered under your home warranty plan, you will only end up paying $60-$100 to repair or replace the failed system or appliance. A home warranty is a great way to save new homeowners money! If you’re interested in purchasing a home warranty plan, take a look at Landmark’s Home Warranty plan options. If you already have a home warranty and want to open a service request, go here.