Buying Your First Home? Learn These 5 Essential Home Maintenance Skills as Soon as Possible

New homes can be scary. But when you take the time to think about it, and plan ahead, maintaining a home is easier than you think a manageable mix of experience and common sense. Here are five skills that will help maintain your new home for years to come.

Fixing A Toilet

It’s not as daunting as it sounds. Just remember that toilets work with gravity the water wants to flow freely. Don’t be afraid to open that tank up and adjust the floater and valves as needed. Occasionally run the water (flush the toilet, turn on the sink) in unused rooms, like the guest bathroom, to keep the pipes clear and functioning.

Dealing With Animals

Sometimes your animal neighbors invite themselves in. While it’s always better to use professionals if you have a large-scale or persistent pest problem, there are steps you can take to minimize animal visitors before it comes to that. Check for termites by looking for raised, hollow tubes along the wood (tubes filled with bugs). If you have mice, and know how they’re getting in, block their holes with steel wool and set friendly traps ones that capture instead of kill. But make sure to release the captives far from your home.

Electricity and Water Awareness

Know how to shut off your electricity and water, just in case. Find the shut-offs when you first move in. And take the time then to test the breakers and label them, clearly, directly, with permanent marker. That way there is no confusion if one gets tripped.

A Regular Deep Clean

On a regular basis, give your house a deep clean. Scrub the bathrooms, clean the kitchen appliances and floors/walls. Doing this will not only prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime, which could lead to bigger problems later on, but will also give you a chance to do a run-down of your house and see what needs fixing/updating/replacing.

Be Prepared

Gather your home maintenance kit (Home Maintenance for Dummies has examples) before you need it, and keep it up if you use all the nails, replace them. It’s also a good idea to make a maintenance calendar with notes on what needs to be done when this makes it easy for the homeowner, and anyone they need to step in. Finally, in being prepared, don’t forget to maintain your fire and carbon monoxide detectors with regular checks and battery changes (suggested every six months, regardless of battery life).

Your first step in preparation is to contact me to find you the perfect home – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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3775 S Danyell Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$640,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,046 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769582

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

REDUCED $10K! At over 2000 sf, this 4 BR, 2 BA home feels like a peaceful garden paradise from the inside out! Enjoy the beauty of Travertine tile flooring laid in a special Windsor Versailles pattern and wood laminate t/o; soaring ceilings, plantation wood shutters/blinds, custom paint, lighting, ceiling fans, Tuscan iron security doors at front entry and to back patio, solar tubes in gathering room and guest bath for added natural light and upgraded baseboards. Renewal by Andersen energy-efficient windows installed on south side to keep you comfortable and help with lower utility bills. Outside, a refreshing Pebble Tech California Pool (built only 3 years ago) awaits you with a Baja shelf for lounging/wading/kids play and LED lighting for fun and calming color effects. Separate hot tub, lush landscaping, slate pavers and a variety of fruit trees complete this calming outdoor space. Back inside, gather and cook in the kitchen with the added 8' island, granite counter tops, pendant lighting, SS appliances incl a 2023 French door, two drawer Whirlpool fridge, RO system (connected to fridge/ice), trash pull-outs and pantry. There are two spacious living/dining areas; primary bedroom with bay windows, ensuite with garden tub, shower and walk-in closet: three add'l bedrooms, guest bath with Travertine surround in shower/tub and granite vanity, laundry room with upgraded washer and dryer. Built-in cabinets and pull-down ladder in garage. Trane HVAC and roof regularly maintained. Saguaro Canyon in South Chandler offers tot lots, dog stations, ramadas, shade trees, paths and greenbelts. Highly rated year-round Chandler Schools, tasty eateries, shopping, dog parks, and the San Tan 202 Freeway is minutes away!

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8519 E Sandalwood Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$640,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,620 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739772

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your first home in PRIME South Scottsdale! Ideally located just 2.5 miles from Scottsdale Fashion Square, Pavilions shopping, and Talking Stick Casino, this home also offers easy access to the 101 freeway for added convenience. You'll be in the sought-after Scottsdale School District, making it perfect for families or first-time buyers. Whether you're beginning your homeownership journey or growing your family, Sandalwood Dr is the perfect place to create lasting memories. Don't miss your chance—say yes to this address and make it yours today!

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4254 S Winter Lane Gilbert, AZ 85297

$640,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,869 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757979

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Premium Location and corner lot right across from the park. No neighbors on 3 sides of the home. 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. There is a large bonus room with real wood flooring. Kitchen has 42 inch Cherry cabinets, kitchen island, and stainless steel appliances. Master bedroom is upstairs with a huge walk in closet, dual sinks, separate tub and shower. Two secondary bedrooms upstairs and one bedroom downstairs with a full bathroom. Epoxy flooring in the garage Beautiful backyard sitting area with view fence over looking the grassy area in the back

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1596 High Country Drive Heber, AZ 85928

$640,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,810 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703861

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning mountain retreat in High Country Pines nestled on a heavily treed .50-acre homesite on a private cul-de-sac. This 3 BR/ 2.5 BA is more than just a home; it's a sanctuary where nature's beauty surrounds this beautiful cabin. This home boasts a great room with a wood burning fireplace embraced by floor to ceiling river rock, chiseled slab granite in the kitchen with an island, gas stove, tiled backsplash, spacious laundry room with cabinets and sink, bathrooms are stone counters, travertine tiling in the baths/shower, knotty pine interior doors and ceiling, bay windows, central heat /AC, the master has dual vanities and a private balcony. The exterior offers a 2 car garage, flagstone and a firepit. The spacious rear deck brings breathtaking treetop vistas with panoramic views.

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15413 W Alexandria Way Surprise, AZ 85379

$640,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,906 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6713660

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A must see. This 4-bed, 3-bath home in Marley Park! Displaying a 2-car garage, manicured landscape, & a cozy front porch. Fabulous interior features tons of natural light, designer paint, & wood-look tile flooring w/carpet in bedrooms. Discover the welcoming living room, formal dining room, and an inviting family room that opens to the kitchen! SS appliances, granite counters, a walk-in pantry, mosaic tile backsplash, a breakfast bar, & staggered cabinetry w/crown Moulding make up the culinary space. Main bedroom has outdoor access and an ensuite with two vanities, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. Laundry room w/sink & cabinetry. Side patio for a morning coffee! Enjoy the entertainer's backyard with a covered patio, pavers, firepit, hot tub, & a refreshing pool & owned solar.

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1715 W Satinwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85045

$640,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,904 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721969

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the desirable Ahwatukee Foothills Club West! Step into this beautifully upgraded 5 bedroom home that immediately feels inviting, functional and spacious. Bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. Three separate living spaces including formal, family room and loft area. Open kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, gas range, and large island. 4 generously sized bedrooms and convenient laundry room upstairs. Primary bedroom with large closet & beautiful walk-in shower. Newer Pergo waterproof laminate flooring throughout! Enjoy the refreshing play pool with Baja shelf & table/umbrella stand, surrounded by travertine tile. Misters, pergola and artificial turf are a plus!. Great schools including highly accredited Kyrene Altadena! Transferable HVAC maintenance plan.

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1050 E Indigo Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$640,000

6 Beds

3 Baths

2,634 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770445

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new home in Lantana Ranch! This stunning 6BR/3BA is situated on a spacious and beautiful lot, complete with an RV gate. Impeccably maintained, this home boasts tile flooring throughout the first floor which includes a Living room and a family room. The open concept kitchen featuring an abundance of cabinetry and a convenient pantry for all your storage needs. One of the bedrooms is conveniently located on the ground floor next to a full bathroom, making it an ideal guest suite. Head upstairs to discover 5 additional bedrooms, including a spacious Primary bedroom with 2 walk- in closets. The secondary bedrooms offer ample space. The property also includes a 2 car garage with exceptional storage options. Step outside to your vast backyard that is perfect for entertaining with additional storage solutions. Don't miss your chance to see this remarkable home!

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23919 W Pinnacle Vista Lane Wittmann, AZ 85361

$640,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,484 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757913

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream homestead on over 1 acre of land, stunning mountain views and just a short drive to Surprise for all your daily needs. This property is perfect for those seeking space and freedom, with no HOA restrictions. Fenced yard closest to the house, the back RV/carport comes equipped with water and 220 AMP electric service, ready for all your vehicles and projects. A car enthusiast's dream, the 5-car garage features extra-tall doors for over height vehicles, a 220 outlet, and climate control, making it comfortable year-round. Inside, the chef's kitchen boasts granite countertops, upgraded maple cabinets with accent lighting, a walk-in pantry, and ample counter space for all your culinary adventures. The spacious primary suite offers a double-door entry, a private exit to the back patio, a huge walk-in closet, and a luxurious bathroom with a spa tub and walk-in shower. Additional highlights include two secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets, and a fourth bedroom with a separate entrance to the front of the home. The open floor plan is designed for entertaining, with seamless flow to the large covered patio, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking views of the White Tank Mountain Range. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a unique, spacious property in a peaceful setting!

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16812 N 59th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$640,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,662 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754179

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You're going to love this North Scottsdale gem! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has so much to offer, starting with NO HOA! Recent updates like new vinyl-plank flooring, dual-flush toilets, and a modern epoxy garage floor make it move-in ready. The layout is super open with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. The kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances and a big island, is perfect for meal prep or hanging out. The master suite is a dream, featuring a walk-in closet, dual sinks, and access to the backyard oasis. Speaking of the backyard, the sparkling pool and covered patio are calling your name! And when you're ready to explore, Kierland Commons and all the fun spots in 85254 are just minutes away. Don't miss out!

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6334 E Viewmont Drive Unit 46 Mesa, AZ 85215

$640,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,978 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768584

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a peaceful escape in Mesa's sought-after Red Mountain Ranch? This immaculate 3-bed, 2-bath home offers a perfect blend of tranquility & convenience. Nestled on a private north/south-facing hillside lot, this property boasts a resort-style backyard complete with a sparkling pebble-finish pool (recoated in 2024). Inside, enjoy the airy feel of soaring ceilings, ceramic tile floors throughout, and ample living space. The large Primary Suite includes double sinks, a separate shower and tub. With recent upgrades like a new AC (2021) and fresh paint, this home is move-in ready! Set in a gated community, you'll enjoy stunning mountain views and easy access to the 202, placing shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation right at your fingertips. Explore the nearby Usery Mountain trails, or experience the perks of Red Mountain Ranch Country Club, featuring a championship Pete Dye golf course, tennis courts, fitness center, and more (with optional membership). Outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to Tonto National Forest, offering hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and boating. With the Salt River and Saguaro Lake just minutes away, adventure awaits! Don't miss out on this serene Arizona retreat, priced BELOW appraised value!

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11357 E Unger Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$640,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,074 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767449

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning 2022 build 4/3 bath + BONUS room. Brand new pool, turf front/back valued at $55K. This home's beautiful upgrades include Sherwin Williams custom paint throughout, new hardware, lighting, and Mikasa fixtures. 12X24 Porcelain Tile, auto roller shades in all 4 bds, and bonus room with blackouts in primary. Quartz countertops, Energy efficient AC-HVAC, Whirlpool high profile appliances. Custom paint to match the home in the garage with EPOXY floors. Smart home Pentair upgraded pool equipment with smartphone controls for lights, and waterfall feature from the Pentair app. This north-south-facing home was pet-free. Tile, carpet, grout and sofa were freshly cleaned by Coconut Cleaning. Home borders a corner lot greenbelt with nobody behind you. Turn-key ready for you! TV in Den included in the sale of the home.

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16155 E Glenview Place Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$640,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

1,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774302

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Close to middle school and high school in Glenbrook subdivision. Nice 2 master bedrooms with 2.5 baths. Granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances. Plantation shutters throughout. All one level, no carpet. 2 car garage. Covered patio in back with some artificial turf, and beautiful landscaping.

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