Last Updated on December 28, 2021 by Eric
As we enter into a new year, many of us like to think ahead to what we’d like to accomplish. While most goals revolve around health, fitness, and finances, maybe you could make some resolutions that revolve around your home.
New Years Resolutions For Homeowners
1. Go Green
Updating your home to be more energy efficient is something you should put on your to-do list in 2022. You could take on extensive renovations like upgrading windows or appliances. If that isn’t in the budget, you could also make smaller changes around the house, like switching your lightbulbs or cutting down on water usage. If nothing else, make an effort to cut down on how much you use the air conditioner. You could open the windows and enjoy the outdoor air instead! Big or small, these changes will help!
2. Pay Your Mortgage On Time
Life is busy, and who knows what is in store for 2022. Whatever happens, make sure you pay your mortgage on time so you can maintain a good credit score. The easiest way to make sure your payment is on time is to set up autopay through your bank. This way the funds will be withdrawn on a designated day of the month, and you won’t even have to worry about it.
If you can, contribute extra money to your mortgage so you can pay it off sooner. This will save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.
If you fall on hard times in the new year, and you know you won’t be able to pay on time, or at all, talk to your bank. You’d be surprised that they want to help, and they may be able to offer you a forbearance or some other type of loan modification to help you through.
3. Think About Buying Another Property
Have you always wanted a home on Lake Keowee? With the help of our lending partners, you could consider using the equity in your current home to purchase a new lake home for your family to vacation at.
If this sounds like something you may want to do, you can do so using a cash-out refinance. With a cash-out refinance, you will obtain a new mortgage that will pay off your existing mortgage while giving you enough cash to either make a down payment on a new home or buy one outright. Interest rates are low, but will likely rise soon, so you should do so sooner than later if you want to do this.
4. Spend More Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is good for the soul. It is calming, peaceful, and a great way to connect with your family. Make an effort to eat one meal per week outdoors. If you aren’t happy with your outdoor space, maybe this can be the year you build a deck that overlooks the lake or just an outdoor dining area that makes you want to spend time outside.
If you think that 2022 will be the year you buy or sell a home, the agents at Bob Hill Realty are here to help. We are experts in the Seneca real estate market as well as Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Jocassee. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so we can get the process started.
