7 Habits of Highly Successful Homeowners
"Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become." -James Clear
I work with (future) homeowners every day, and I've noticed a few things they do that make homeownership a positive experience for them. Homeowner wisdom coming your way!
Here are 7 Habits of Successful Homeowners:
Successful homeowners do things in the right order. They understand they can't start house shopping without a pre-approval, and they value their agent's guidance from the beginning. When the home buying process is implemented in the right order, buyers are less likely to miss out on a home they love and are much more likely to win against any competing offers.
Hold every potential home with an open hand...the home buying process can be an emotional one. The buyers I've worked with that have had the most positive buying experience don't set their heart on one home alone. When they find one they love, they move forward with it, sure, but they hold it with an open hand...if it works out, then great! But if something comes up (inspection, title work, etc), they let it go with confidence, knowing something better is out there for them.
Successful homeowners seek advice from their agent only. They don't call their friends to get their input, too. No one else has gone on the home journey with you other than your agent, so their "advice" lacks a lot of context and important details. Hire an agent you trust and then...trust them.
Successful homeowners perform maintenance tasks regularly. They understand the value of caring for their largest investment and do a few things each month to maintain and improve the condition of their home. Research the pro's and con's of market value before making renovations. Homeowners that pour time, energy, and money into their home to make it a more enjoyable place to live need to understand that every renovation won't necessarily add value to your home.
That shouldn't stop them from making changes they really want, but they need to be aware of what renovations increase value and which ones don't. This is why I love my 12 Month Homeowner Checklist (don't have one? Click here!) I break down 8-10 things you can do each month to keep your home in the best shape. Doing so will not only make your home more enjoyable for you, but it will help you get the most money out of it some day when you sell your home.
Successful homeowners create cleaning and decluttering habits that keep their homes an enjoyable, peaceful place to live. It's hard to regret buying something that gives you so much peace and fulfillment like a clean, organized home can. Regularly cleaning and decluttering your home also makes selling your home one day a lot less stressful of a process. So do a little work each week so that you can reap the rewards now and in the future.
Successful homeowners practice gratitude and avoid comparison. When homeowners take the time to journal and be grateful for the home they own, they're less likely to experience envy when they see other homes they love. Comparison really is the thief of joy so fight the urge to compare your home to your neighbors, your best friend's, or strangers on the internet. You are better off focusing on the beauty in your own home.
So, there you have it, a little guide from successful homeowners to you. Oh, and if you're looking to up your homeowner game, grab my 12 Month Homeowner Checklist. It's the next step in making your home journey as successful and enjoyable as possible!
