First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Home Management

Congratulations on your new home! Now comes the part no one prepared you for: actually managing the place. This guide will help you set up systems from day one so you never feel overwhelmed.

Your First Week

Day 1: Know Your Shutoffs

Before anything else, locate and label these critical shutoffs:

• Water main — Usually in basement, crawl space, or garage
• Gas valve — At the meter, outside
• Electrical panel — Garage, basement, or utility room
• HVAC shutoff — Near the furnace/air handler

Take photos and save them in Dib so you (and anyone else in your household) can find them instantly in an emergency.

Day 2-3: Document What You Have

Start a home inventory. Walk through each room and photograph your belongings. If you use an AI-powered app like Dib, this takes minutes instead of hours.

Day 4-5: Organize Your Documents

You probably have a stack of closing documents, warranties, and manuals. Scan or photograph everything and store it digitally. Key documents to save:

• Deed and title documents
• Home inspection report
• Survey
• Insurance policy
• Warranties for any appliances that came with the home
• HOA documents (if applicable)

Day 6-7: Set Up Maintenance Tracking

Learn when major systems need service. Find out when the HVAC was last serviced, when filters were changed, and when the water heater was installed. Set up reminders for regular maintenance.

Your First Month

• Week 2: Complete your home inventory—every room, closet, and storage space
• Week 3: Research and schedule any needed service (HVAC tune-up, appliance checks)
• Week 4: Review your insurance coverage against your inventory

Essential Maintenance Schedule

As a new homeowner, here's what you need to track:

Monthly

• Check HVAC filter (replace every 1-3 months)
• Test smoke and CO detectors
• Check for water leaks under sinks

Seasonally

• Spring: HVAC service, check roof and gutters
• Summer: Check AC, clean dryer vent
• Fall: Furnace service, prepare for winter
• Winter: Check for ice dams, monitor heating

Annually

• Professional HVAC service
• Water heater flush
• Roof inspection
• Septic pump (if applicable)

Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes

1. Not documenting immediately — It only gets harder to catalog things later
2. Skipping maintenance — Small issues become expensive repairs
3. Losing documents — Digital storage prevents this entirely
4. Not knowing shutoffs — Learn these before you need them
5. Underinsuring — Your inventory should match your coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started Today

Don't let home management become overwhelming. Start with one simple step: download Dib and document your first room. The AI does most of the work, and you'll have peace of mind knowing your home is organized from day one.