Buying a home is a big commitment. In addition to mortgage payments, homeowners must manage expenses like property taxes, garbage collection and unforeseen maintenance costs. 

They must also comply with local regulations and Homeowners Association rules. Moreover, they must maintain their own homes to keep them safe and healthy. 

1. Pay Your Mortgage 

While buying a home is often considered the single largest investment most people will make in their lifetimes, it also comes with certain responsibilities. This includes paying your mortgage and the associated property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and maintenance expenses on time and in full. It’s essential to avoid late payments because they can be expensive and can have a negative impact on your credit score. 

The good news is that lenders understand that life happens and offer a variety of options to help you stay on track. From modifications to refinances, you can work with your lender to find a solution that fits your budget. If you are experiencing a 

temporary financial hardship due to COVID-19 or losing your job, you may be eligible for forbearance. 

Ultimately, the decision to pay off your mortgage early comes down to what you value most. For some, the peace of mind that comes with knowing they own their house outright is enough of a motivator. For others, the freedom that comes with not having a mortgage payment can be put toward other savings goals like retirement or college funds. 

2. Keep Your Home in Good Condition 

Homeownership comes with a set of responsibilities that include keeping your home in good condition. Whether it’s routine upkeep like cleaning dryer lint or bigger tasks such as a roof replacement or painting, making sure your house is well maintained is important to protect your investment. 

For homeowners, the most obvious reason to keep your home in good condition is that it will help to maintain your home’s value. If you neglect the maintenance of your property, it can quickly depreciate, which can impact your ability to sell it in the future. 

In addition, a neglected house can become more vulnerable to pests and other problems, which can cost you more in the long run. This is why it’s important to create a home maintenance schedule and stick to it. 

Finally, failing to perform regular maintenance can also have legal consequences. For example, if you don’t adhere to local building codes and regulations, you may be required to make costly repairs or renovations to bring your property up to standard. Keeping on top of your maintenance tasks can prevent this from happening and

save you money in the long run. Look into home warranty appliances and make sure you are able to get your kitchen appliances replaced or repaired when the time comes. 

3. Hire an Exterminator 

Pests are a common problem in homes, and it is your responsibility as a homeowner to take care of them. When you lived in an apartment, your landlord was responsible for pest control, but now that you own your own home it is your job to hire and pay an exterminator whenever you have a problem. Before an exterminator arrives, it is important to make your home accessible by removing furniture or anything else that might prevent them from accessing all areas of the house.

Owning a home is satisfying and you know your hard work will pay off will you keep up with your responsibilities. Renting a home saves you from having to worry about things like pests or replacing appliances. However, as a homeowner you know your mortgage payments are going towards building a financial future for yourself. Once you start paying down your mortgage and really owning your home, you will see the benefits of having a home that is yours. Many people waste their money and time renting because every month they cut that check, it is not going into equity for anything else. While there are many responsibilities to owning a home, the three we covered will hopefully give you a glimpse into having financial freedom.