December 22, 2020 4 minute read

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners

It’s that time of year again where we set our intentions for the year to come. Whether 2021 will be your first or your 20th year as a homeowner, it’s always helpful to have a plan in place for any changes you might want to make around the house. That’s why I’ve created my list of ten suggestions you should consider adding to your list of New Year’s Resolutions. 

  • Reduce your carbon footprint. There are so many ways to reduce energy use at home, from small changes, such as upgrading to a Nest thermostat, to larger changes, such as adding solar panels. This year, take the time to review how much energy your household is consuming—making improvements could save you money in the long run.

  • Round-Up Your Mortgage Payments. This is a hard one, but if you have the means and you’re looking to make a dent in your mortgage, now is the time to start creating a realistic budget for the coming year. Even rounding up your monthly payments by a couple of extra dollars can make a big difference in the long run.

  • Fix your pet peeves. Whether it’s a leaky faucet in the kitchen or the cracked tile in your powder room, there are always little things around the house that bug you. This is the year to take action and make the small changes that will help you feel at peace in your home.

  • Safety first. Security systems aren’t a fun home purchase so this can be an easy improvement to put off. There is a wide range of home security systems to choose from at a variety of price points. Take the time this year to do some research and find what’s right for you and your property. You can even start small with something like the Ring doorbell camera.

  • Do a serious declutter. Don’t wait until it’s time for a spring cleaning to get rid of unnecessary items around the house. This year, we recommend taking a full survey of what you do and don’t use at home and donating your unwanted items on a regular basis.

  • Determine your home’s value. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, a great first step is getting your home appraised to find out how much it’s worth. Online tools, such as the Zillow Zestimate, are often not the best source for estimating the value of your home. You can work directly with a Senné Associate who will guide you through the process and take a detailed approach.

  • Create a chore chart. When’s the last time you cleaned your baseboards? You don’t need to wait until spring for a deep clean. It’s easy to forget the small details when you do your regular cleaning. Schedule in some time this year to deep clean the often overlooked spots in your home.

  • Add a fresh coat of paint. Are your white walls starting to look a little dingy? It happens to the best of us. If you can’t remember the last time your house was painted, it might be time to touch up some of your rooms. This is also a great opportunity to try out the new color palette you’ve been dreaming of or trying out one of the colors of the year.

  • Shop around. Don’t pay more than you need to for home insurance, utilities, or cable. Take some time this year to browse other plans to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the services you need at your property. For example, some home improvements could even qualify you for a discount on insurance and internet companies constantly run different sales on service.

  • Boost your curb appeal. We’ve all been spending more time enjoying our private outdoor space at home so this could be a great time to take on those landscaping projects you’ve been putting off. If it’s snowing, a proper snowblower can help ensure the path leading up to your house stays nice and neat. In the spring and summer, consider starting a garden or giving your shrubs a trim so you can enjoy the view from your lawn chair.

No matter how big or small your goals are for this new year, you can always turn to Senné’s real estate professionals. Our team of experts can make your dreams a reality this year. Give us a call at 617.314.9400 or email us at [email protected] to get started today!


Lauren Perry

Author

Lauren Perry is a Senior Associate on the Residential team at Senné. She’s a full-service agent, specializing in seller, buyer, and developer/investor representation, and leasing services in Greater Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Charlestown. A poised real estate professional, Lauren is an exceptional advocate for her clients and aims to make their real estate goals a reality.

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