Hey everyone! The photo you see was taken before we upgraded our floors and lighting—things have definitely changed since then! I can’t wait to show you our complete kitchen makeover once the new runner rug arrives. This week, I’ll also be sharing our flooring journey on the blog. Today, though, I wanted to talk about what I’ve learned in my first four months as a homeowner.
Although it’s been a bit of a bumpy ride, I’ve made enough mistakes to gather some crucial lessons. We’re far from finished, but I’m eager to share some insights I wish I’d known before buying a home. If you’re planning on buying one or already own a home, you’ll definitely relate to this.
10 Lessons I’ve Learned From Owning a Home
1. Houses Take Time to Build and Transform.
When we first walked through our house, I was overflowing with ideas and a little too ambitious. After the inspection, we realized we had to focus on the important stuff first. I used to think we’d be done by now, but that was wishful thinking. Being a homeowner has taught me to be patient. Everything takes time, thought, research, and planning.
2. Home Expenses Are No Joke.
You don’t really understand costs until you’re in it. Everything is incredibly expensive, and realizing that will slow down your spending plans. We don’t want to end up house poor, so we carefully consider if our investments will affect the resale value positively or negatively.
3. Prioritizing is Essential.
Initially, I wanted the house to look like something from a magazine. But priorities quickly shifted. We created a list of immediate must-dos based on our inspection report and a separate wish list for non-essential tasks. Learning to prioritize effectively has been key to staying organized and realistic.
4. Always Get Multiple Quotes.
Patience is everything, and part of that is getting multiple quotes. Once, we were quoted $14k for a pergola but found another for $2k. Imagine if we’d gone with the first! Getting quotes has saved us a lot of money—make sure to get referrals and ask around for recommendations.
5. Know When to Hire Pros and When to DIY.
We started thinking we’d DIY most tasks. While DIY is great for some jobs, like painting, bigger tasks often require a pro. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more to fix mistakes. Plus, your time is valuable!
6. Do These Tasks Before Moving In:
Biggest mistake? Doing the floors while living there. If possible, finish tasks like painting or major plumbing/electrical work before moving in. This saves hassle and helps maintain your sanity.
7. A Yard Can Be Overwhelming.
Our big backyard seemed amazing at first, but maintaining it is a nightmare. Broken sprinklers and dead grass make me wish it were smaller. It’s a lot to manage!
8. OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace Are Lifesavers.
Owning a home is pricey, so I’ve become a fan of OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace for affordable finds. It’s great for buying items in good condition and selling things you no longer need.
9. Newfound Respect for Landlords.
Maintaining a home is hard work, and I regret any hassle I caused my past landlords. When things break, it’s all on us now. Though it’s nice not having a landlord bother you, I miss having someone to call for repairs.
10. It’s Totally Rewarding.
Despite the stress, it’s incredibly rewarding. Completing just one room feels amazing, and seeing everything come together is satisfying. The sense of pride and accomplishment is worth every challenge. It’s hard work, but I wholeheartedly recommend it. If I can manage, so can you!