As a new homeowner in Essex, Morris or Union County, NJ, you may find yourself in the same position as a new parent - advice coming from everyone, solicited or not!
It can be overwhelming, not to mention confusing when that advice conflicts with this advice and everyone has their own way of doing things....and thinks YOU should do it that way, too!
You may also find yourself experiencing doubt and guilt if you don't "do" all the chores all the well-meaning advice givers have added to your chore list with their well-meaning advice! It can even feel like the house owns you rather than the other way around.
But it doesn't have to; and you don't need to feel burdened by your new home. Sure, there are maintenance chores that absolutely should be done regularly to keep your new home in tip top condition and not only preserve but even increase its value over time.
However, you can KICK THESE THREE THINGS right to the curb, right now, and not feel guilty at all! Instead, grab a glass of your favorite beverage and enjoy your home more because now you'll have a little more free time! Especially when you take your local marketing specialists advice:
#1, LAWN LIFE: you don't want to let the grass get waist high, but you also don't want to kill your lawn, which is exactly what will happen if you mow too often or cut the blades too short! Let it grow....a little bit! About 2 1/2 - 3 inches is the best blade length that allows your grass to do its job - soak up some sun to thrive and make your home shine with curb appeal.
The second lawn chore you can kick to the curb is fastidious leave raking. Wait til most leaves have made their graceful way onto the lawn and rake them up. Then leave the leaves that gently cover the grass come late fall. They act as a natural mulch for your lawn, feeding it through the winter and even protecting it when the snow covers every blade.
#2, PLUMBING PROBLEMS: unless you have a relative in the plumbing business you feel a need to support, DON'T POUR DRAIN CLEANERS DOWN YOUR PIPES! They tend to corrode your pipes, and cause even more problems down the road. Instead, invest in a drain snake for clog clearing or call that relative to snake the lines when there's a clog. It'll actually clear the lines much better and you'll be glad you did.
#3, NEIGHBOR NUISANCE: you like your neighbors, your neighbors like you. You even get together for backyard barbeques and the occasional dinner out. What happens when that big limb from their tree falls onto your garage roof? Or worse! When your limb chooses their outbuilding to sabotage?
DON'T REACH FOR YOUR WALLET! Instead, reach for the phone in EITHER of those scenario's and call your homeowners insurance carrier immediately. Le tthe professionals do what you are paying them to do and the friendship with the neighbors may be saved as a result.
Now that the heavy load of maintenance when you own your home has been lightened, are you ready to take the plunge? Discover your new home to welcome in the New Year by visiting: https://www.njrealestatehomesearch.com/search/advanced_search/