Month 2 as a New Homeowner: Building Smart Habits Early
Month 2 as a New Homeowner: Building Smart Habits Early
A Homeowner Resource by Khris Hamlin Real Estate, LLC | Powered by Samson Properties
You’ve had a month to settle into your new home, unpack the essentials, and get familiar with your space. Now it’s time to go a little deeper and set up the systems that will keep your home (and your finances) running smoothly.
In this month’s homeowner guide, we’ll cover key tasks to protect your investment, avoid future surprises, and build peace of mind in your new space.
1. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your home should be a safe haven, and that starts with properly working safety systems. Testing your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors is a quick task—but a critical one.
Here’s what to do:
Press the “test” button on each detector (you should hear a loud beep)
Replace batteries if needed (at least once a year—even in hardwired units)
Make sure there is at least one smoke detector per floor, and one in every bedroom
CO detectors should be near sleeping areas and on each level
Tip: Set a recurring reminder in your phone to test them every month or quarter.
2. Review Your Mortgage Statement and Set Up Auto-Pay
Now that the first payment is due, take time to review your mortgage statement and understand:
The breakdown between principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI)
If you’re paying into an escrow account for taxes/insurance
The due date and any grace period
If your lender offers a discount for auto-pay or bi-weekly payments
Setting up automatic payments helps you stay current and avoid late fees. If you haven’t already, create an online portal login with your mortgage lender to access all documents and updates.
3. Start an Emergency Fund for Home Repairs
Homeownership comes with surprises—and they’re not always the good kind. A leaky roof, broken water heater, or HVAC issue can be stressful if you’re unprepared.
We recommend setting up a dedicated savings fund just for home repairs:
Aim to save 1% of your home’s value per year (i.e., $3,000 for a $300,000 home)
Start small—$100/month is better than nothing
Keep it in aseparate, high-yield savings account
Think of it as your “homeowner safety net.” You’ll thank yourself later.
4. Create a Homeowner Calendar
Now that you’ve started the basics, it’s a great time to create a simple monthly calendar that tracks:
Seasonal maintenance (HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, lawn care)
Utility due dates or budget reminders
Warranty or service check-ins for appliances
We’ll continue sending you monthly checklists—but having a personal calendar keeps you on top of your unique needs.
5. Recommended Tools & Apps for Month 2
Task
Tool/Resource
Set Up Auto-Pay
Mortgage lender portal (check your closing documents)
Home Repair Emergency Fund
Smart Calendar App
Google Calendar or HomeZada
Document Storage
Dropbox, Google Drive, or a physical binder
We’re Still With You—Every Step of the Way
Need help understanding your mortgage statement? Want advice on how much to save or who to call for service? We’re just a phone call, text, or email away.
📞240-259-1191
🌐 www.khrishamlinrealestate.com
Next Month: We’ll walk you through your first seasonal home maintenance checklist and how to prepare your home for summer and beyond.
