Congrats on buying a house! Start a notebook and write *everything* down

Learn from my mistakes! I've lived in our house for 8 years, and I wish I would have written down so many things in one easily accessible place:

• paint colors & sheens

• Tile grout brand and color

• Wood floor stain make and color

• Everything that has a filter and the last time it was changed

• Record of small repairs

• Contractors /repair guy recommendations and people we've used

• Etc etc. I thought I would remember everything and I've remembered nothing.

Also - get your HVAC serviced annually!! We are members with a local HVAC place were we pay a small monthly fee, get two free annual maintenance appointments, and are at the top of this emergency repair appointment schedule if something goes wrong.