Crafty community. Even if you've never picked up a glue gun, you'll find easy decorating tips at Even if you've never picked up a glue gun, you'll find easy decorating tips at www.getcrafty.com, from making felt with cat fur (eww) to quilted photo greeting cards (handy). Other resources include:* www.diyonline.com * * www.doityourself.com * * www.diynot.com.

Remodeling on the Cheap

If you bought a fixer-upper, you may be spending time and money just making the place habitable. Our book can't cover all the bases-plenty of others do-but here are some cost-cutting tips to use from the get-go. And don't forget to check out the resources in Chapter 8 on doing home repairs.

Your Future Remodel?

It might sound like science fiction, but Popular Science Popular Science magazine has constructed the "house of the future." At a $5.5 million price tag, it includes features such as a fridge that can cook for you, robotic household help, and bioscanners. Take a virtual tour at magazine has constructed the "house of the future." At a $5.5 million price tag, it includes features such as a fridge that can cook for you, robotic household help, and bioscanners. Take a virtual tour at www.popsci com (search for "future house"). com (search for "future house").

Remodeling on Your Own

If you're planning to remodel on your own, you'll need tools to do it. Some are easy to afford-you can just go to the hardware store for a hammer-but others are a larger investment. Consider renting tools; http://rentalsite. com has searchable directories. You can also borrow from your neighbors (responsibly) or buy used (check for local listings at www.craigslist.org). Finally, find out if your community has a tool-lending library-they're available in several states.

No matter what, you'll probably have questions once you get started. Reap the benefit of others' knowledge by checking out sites like: * www.diynetwork.com * * www.houseprofessionals.com/diy * * www.homedoctor.net.

Be sure that a project is doable before you begin. The websites listed above all have sections dedicated to user comments to help you gauge how much elbow grease and expertise you'll need for your project. Many offer detailed blogs that take you through a real remodel.

Watching Paint Dry Just Got Quicker Decorators are abuzz over Benjamin Moore's latest product, Aura. It's an acrylic, low-odor, water- and rub-off-resistant interior paint that needs only one coat, and that coat should last for several years. See more at www.myaurapaint.com.

Finding and Hiring Professionals

Professionals exist for a reason, and you shouldn't be embarrassed to use one, no matter how handy you are. Bringing in a general contractor (who oversees a team of subcontracting professionals) is a smart move if you're attempting a complex or extremely large project. For more limited projects, you can hire your own carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and so forth.

Aside from getting recommendations from friends, a good place to begin looking for a general contractor is at the Associated General Contractors of America's website, www.agc.org. As with any professional, conduct a thorough interview before hiring, making sure this one has experience with the type of work you need; then sign a contract laying out what work is included and the price.

RESOURCE.

Planning on doing some major work? Whether you want to do the work on your own or hire a top-notch contractor, check out Whether you want to do the work on your own or hire a top-notch contractor, check out The Essential Guide for First-Time Homeowners: Maximize Your Investment & Enjoy Your New Home The Essential Guide for First-Time Homeowners: Maximize Your Investment & Enjoy Your New Home, by Ilona Bray and Alayna Schroeder (Nolo). It covers planning a do-it-yourself remodeling project, as well as selecting, hiring, and working with contractors-and much more.

To make sure you're getting fair market value for your remodel, check out reputable do-it-yourself websites like the ones above. They'll inevitably have blogs and message boards addressing your issues, especially if you're having a common project done. And you can always post your own queries or comments.

Though it might be tempting to get the whole project done in one fell swoop, this isn't always a good strategy for the cash-strapped first-time buyer. One project will be a big enough learning experience-simultaneous ones can make you crazy. And if you have a young child (whose immune system will be sensitive to the raw materials in the air), or don't have time to work around the chaos, you'll want to keep the house livable during construction.

Get Greener Now, Get More Green Later As long as you're remodeling, consider the short and and long-term benefits of making your home more energy efficient. Sustainable construction and architecture will lower both your energy consumption and the amount you spend on utilities. And when you sell, you'll be able to play up the house's upgraded insulation, sealed crawlspace, energy-efficient window glazes, or tankless water heater. Ask your contractor which features might be feasibly incorporated in the remodel, or see long-term benefits of making your home more energy efficient. Sustainable construction and architecture will lower both your energy consumption and the amount you spend on utilities. And when you sell, you'll be able to play up the house's upgraded insulation, sealed crawlspace, energy-efficient window glazes, or tankless water heater. Ask your contractor which features might be feasibly incorporated in the remodel, or see www.bobvila.com for more information (search for "energy efficiency"). for more information (search for "energy efficiency").

Gardening and Landscaping

If you've just moved into a home that's beautifully landscaped, you may not realize how much time, effort, and money was put into making it just so. If you don't have a green thumb, think about hiring a professional to take over.

Ask the seller or neighbors whom they use (it's not uncommon for a whole neighborhood to have the same gardener). Local nurseries provide good recommendations, too. Realize that gardeners come with all levels of expertise and prices, from the expensive landscape architect to the college kid who likes wielding a hedge clipper. You're probably looking for someone in the middle: a gardener who specializes in maintenance rather than design but has enough experience to know a weed from a seedling and can help recognize plant diseases and suggest solutions.

If I wanted to have a happy garden, I must ally myself with my soil; study and help it to the utmost, untiringly... . Always, the soil must come first. . Always, the soil must come first.-Marion Cran, gardening expert and author

Large trees, however, definitely need a professional, preferably a certified arborist. Bad pruning can kill the tree or make it look bad or grow faster. And tree pruning is dangerous work-don't risk a lawsuit by an inexperienced worker. Look for membership in either the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA, at www.isa-arbor.com), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA, at www.treecareindustry.org), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA, at www.asca-consultants.org).

If you didn't inherit a landscaped garden, you're probably going to want to use your own green thumb. Check your local nurseries for the types of plants that suit your space and ask questions about whether they're native, the type of care they'll need, whether they're susceptible to munching by deer or other natives, and their cycle (annual, perennial). And don't forget that not all plants need to be purchased-trading plant cuttings with friends is satisfying and free; see the articles at www.yougrowgirl.com.

In fact, there are plants that thrive on neglect, perfect if you've got a huge pile of dirt for a backyard and don't want to take care of a needy garden. For more ideas than you can shake a hoe at, check out the community at www.gardenweb.com.

Making It Green

Want to assuage your enviro-guilt for all the gas the moving van used? Here are some ways you can save energy and protect the environment from within your own home-and many of them cost little or nothing: * Hang laundry. Hang laundry. A $5 clothesline will cut down your gas or electricity bill, since you won't be running the dryer. And it will leave your clothes smelling fresh. A $5 clothesline will cut down your gas or electricity bill, since you won't be running the dryer. And it will leave your clothes smelling fresh.* Wash your clothes in cold water. Wash your clothes in cold water. Modern detergents don't need hot water to work, and heating the water uses lots of energy. Biodegradable and earth-friendly detergents are available. If you can't skip fabric softener, choose one that's soy based, or throw vinegar into the rinse cycle to soften your clothes. Modern detergents don't need hot water to work, and heating the water uses lots of energy. Biodegradable and earth-friendly detergents are available. If you can't skip fabric softener, choose one that's soy based, or throw vinegar into the rinse cycle to soften your clothes.* Lower the thermostat. Lower the thermostat. Two degrees lower in the winter and two degrees higher in the summer could save up to 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Two degrees lower in the winter and two degrees higher in the summer could save up to 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.* Clean or replace furnace and air conditioning filters. Clean or replace furnace and air conditioning filters. Keeping your furnace and air conditioning filters clean will help them function efficiently. An electrostatic filter will cost more up front than a paper or fiberglass one, but can be cleaned and reused. Keeping your furnace and air conditioning filters clean will help them function efficiently. An electrostatic filter will cost more up front than a paper or fiberglass one, but can be cleaned and reused.* Turn down the water heater. Turn down the water heater. Most people find 120 degrees to be warm enough, and the addition of an insulating water heater blanket (around $10-$20) can reduce heat loss by 25%-40%. Most people find 120 degrees to be warm enough, and the addition of an insulating water heater blanket (around $10-$20) can reduce heat loss by 25%-40%.Ready to Discover Your Inner Martha Stewart?

Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home, by Martha Stewart (Clarkson Potter), covers just what it says (in over 750 pages).

* Switch to CFL light bulbs. Switch to CFL light bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) cost a little more than regular bulbs, but last much longer and are cheaper in the long run. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) cost a little more than regular bulbs, but last much longer and are cheaper in the long run.* Use the dishwasher. Use the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers tend to be more efficient than handwashing, since they use less than ten gallons of water per load. And they're effective enough that you can feel justified in not prerinsing your dishes, which wastes water. Wait to run the dishwasher until it's completely full, and let dishes air dry if you can. Modern dishwashers tend to be more efficient than handwashing, since they use less than ten gallons of water per load. And they're effective enough that you can feel justified in not prerinsing your dishes, which wastes water. Wait to run the dishwasher until it's completely full, and let dishes air dry if you can.* Reduce water use. Reduce water use. A low-flow showerhead will still have good water pressure, but will release (and waste) a lot less water. And if you can't yet afford a low-flow toilet, put a gallon milk jug with rocks into the tank to displace the water. A low-flow showerhead will still have good water pressure, but will release (and waste) a lot less water. And if you can't yet afford a low-flow toilet, put a gallon milk jug with rocks into the tank to displace the water.* Get rid of the junk mail. Get rid of the junk mail. While you're switching over your address, cancel catalogs you don't need at While you're switching over your address, cancel catalogs you don't need at www.catalogchoice.org. Pay your bills-and get your statements-online.* Make your own cleaning products. Make your own cleaning products. You can use some common household supplies-like vinegar, baking soda, and lemons-to make environmentally friendly products. For formulas, go to You can use some common household supplies-like vinegar, baking soda, and lemons-to make environmentally friendly products. For formulas, go to www.care2.com and search for "cleaning products." and search for "cleaning products."* Replace lawn with native plants. Replace lawn with native plants. This will decrease water use, as will watering early in the morning (to prevent evaporation) and keeping the grass three to four inches long. Getting rid of the gas mower will also have a positive environmental impact. This will decrease water use, as will watering early in the morning (to prevent evaporation) and keeping the grass three to four inches long. Getting rid of the gas mower will also have a positive environmental impact.* Plant trees. Plant trees. A $10 annual membership to the Arbor Day Foundation ( A $10 annual membership to the Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) gets you ten free trees. Trees shade your home, reducing the temperature in warm spring and summer months; and deciduous trees will drop their leaves in the fall, too-letting sunlight in and potentially lowering the heating bill.

RESOURCE.

Want more tips for making your home, and your life, green? Check out Check out The Essential Guide for First-Time Homeowners: Maximize Your Investment & Enjoy Your New Home The Essential Guide for First-Time Homeowners: Maximize Your Investment & Enjoy Your New Home, by Ilona Bray and Alayna Schroeder (Nolo). It has an entire chapter on other simple steps you can take to make your home environmentally friendly.

There's a Place for It: Organize Your Records

Boring, boring, but money-saving! Knowing where your home-related records are is part of the responsibility of owning a home and will help you collect on your insurance, claim tax deductions, and more. In this section, we'll run through the various categories of documents, including which ones to keep and why.

But first, a basic word on where and how to keep these documents. First, buy a locking file cabinet and keep the key somewhere secure. Then create folders with relevant titles such as "Closing Documents," "Repair and Improvement Receipts," "Product Manuals," "Homeowners' Insurance," "Tax Deductions [year]," and more. You'll get more ideas from the topics below and may want to put copies of some documents in more than one file.

Also find a location outside your house in which to keep copies of critical records, such as your house deed, loan, and insurance papers. If a fire or other disaster makes your house temporarily uninhabitable, easy access to these will make your life much easier. A safe deposit box is good, as is a secure place at a trusted friend's house (for weekend access).

Your Purchase and Ownership Records

Below are the basics: documents that prove you own the house, and those concerning your house's ongoing financing and insurance: * Closing documents. Closing documents. These serve to prove your ownership of your property, a top priority. These serve to prove your ownership of your property, a top priority.* Loan documents. Loan documents. Keep all documents associated with your mortgage accessible, as well as documentation of other financial arrangements like promissory notes to family members. Keep all documents associated with your mortgage accessible, as well as documentation of other financial arrangements like promissory notes to family members.* Inspection reports. Inspection reports. These set a baseline for future comparison. If problems pop up later, they allow you to look back at whether the inspectors predicted them or overlooked something they should have caught. These set a baseline for future comparison. If problems pop up later, they allow you to look back at whether the inspectors predicted them or overlooked something they should have caught.* Insurance policy. Insurance policy. In a minor or major emergency, you'll want to know how to contact your insurance company and what you're covered for. Having the contract handy will make dealing with company representatives much easier at a potentially troubled time. In a minor or major emergency, you'll want to know how to contact your insurance company and what you're covered for. Having the contract handy will make dealing with company representatives much easier at a potentially troubled time.* Association records. Association records. If your home is governed by a community association, keep all the relevant documents, like the CC&Rs. You'll want to be able to check on things like whether you can put up a basketball hoop or are really liable for a new fee. If your home is governed by a community association, keep all the relevant documents, like the CC&Rs. You'll want to be able to check on things like whether you can put up a basketball hoop or are really liable for a new fee.

Your Tax Records

Even if you've always stuffed your tax-related documents in a shoebox, homeownership gives you a good time to start over-with the incentive of some big-ticket deductions and credits. (Also, you never know when you'll be audited.) Here are some of the most important ones to keep track of: * Interest and points. Interest and points. The interest you pay on your mortgage or home equity loan is tax-deductible, as are points you paid up front. (For more on these, turn back to Chapter 1.) Your lender will normally send you a post-year-end statement totaling your interest payments, so add these to your files. The interest you pay on your mortgage or home equity loan is tax-deductible, as are points you paid up front. (For more on these, turn back to Chapter 1.) Your lender will normally send you a post-year-end statement totaling your interest payments, so add these to your files.* Property tax. Property tax. State property taxes are deductible from your federal taxes. Keep a copy of the tax statement you receive, with notes on how you paid it (for example, a personal check number). State property taxes are deductible from your federal taxes. Keep a copy of the tax statement you receive, with notes on how you paid it (for example, a personal check number).* PMI. PMI. Until 2010, PMI is tax-deductible. Keep a copy of your billing statements. Until 2010, PMI is tax-deductible. Keep a copy of your billing statements.* Charitable contributions. Charitable contributions. If you've donated to any 501(c)(3) charities, it's probably tax-deductible. Charities must send you receipts for gifts over certain amounts, but for others, or for cash you plunked anonymously into a donation box, you'll need to track your donations. If you've donated to any 501(c)(3) charities, it's probably tax-deductible. Charities must send you receipts for gifts over certain amounts, but for others, or for cash you plunked anonymously into a donation box, you'll need to track your donations.* Home business. Home business. If you work at home, your taxes are going to be more complicated than the average Joe's, but that also translates into more deductions. If you work at home, your taxes are going to be more complicated than the average Joe's, but that also translates into more deductions.* Purchase documents. Purchase documents. If you're taking the tax credit available to first-time homebuyers for houses purchased before July 1, 2009, make sure your tax records include documentation to verify the date and amount of the purchase. If you're taking the tax credit available to first-time homebuyers for houses purchased before July 1, 2009, make sure your tax records include documentation to verify the date and amount of the purchase.* Energy-efficient improvements. Energy-efficient improvements. If you make any energy-efficient improvements in 2009 that qualify for the tax credit discussed in Chapter 1, be sure to keep copies of your receipts (and make sure those receipts clearly identify what you purchased). If you make any energy-efficient improvements in 2009 that qualify for the tax credit discussed in Chapter 1, be sure to keep copies of your receipts (and make sure those receipts clearly identify what you purchased).CHECK IT OUT.

Keep what you've earned. If you're running a business from your home, learn which deductions you qualify for and which ones you don't using If you're running a business from your home, learn which deductions you qualify for and which ones you don't using Home Business Tax Deductions Home Business Tax Deductions, by Stephen Fishman (Nolo).

* Other deductible expenses. Other deductible expenses. To find out more about home-related deductions (for example, moving expenses if you moved because of a job), go to To find out more about home-related deductions (for example, moving expenses if you moved because of a job), go to www.irs.gov; download IRS Publication 530, Tax Information for First-Time Homeowners Tax Information for First-Time Homeowners, and Publication 521, Moving Expenses Moving Expenses.

Your Maintenance Records

All homes require upkeep, and keeping track of your maintenance and improvement efforts will help you figure out how old the roof and other things are, provide information to later potential buyers, and show the IRS why your capital gains tax should be reduced when you sell. Here are some documents to save: * Utility bills. Utility bills. When you sell your home, many buyers will want to see about two years' worth of utility bills to see what their average expenses would be. (You can discard the older bills.) When you sell your home, many buyers will want to see about two years' worth of utility bills to see what their average expenses would be. (You can discard the older bills.)* Professional services. Professional services. Careful records of what's been done, who did it, when, and how much you paid will be helpful in two ways. First, you'll be able to check whom you used if you want to bring them back (or avoid them). Second, you'll be able to hand these documents over when you sell your home, so prospective buyers can see what's been done and hire professionals familiar with the property, if they choose. Careful records of what's been done, who did it, when, and how much you paid will be helpful in two ways. First, you'll be able to check whom you used if you want to bring them back (or avoid them). Second, you'll be able to hand these documents over when you sell your home, so prospective buyers can see what's been done and hire professionals familiar with the property, if they choose.* Manuals and warranty information. Manuals and warranty information. Keep all the info you'll need to replace, return, or otherwise deal with your house's appliances. Hopefully the seller left you relevant manuals and warranties; most warranties carry over to subsequent homeowners. Keep all the info you'll need to replace, return, or otherwise deal with your house's appliances. Hopefully the seller left you relevant manuals and warranties; most warranties carry over to subsequent homeowners.* Repair and improvement receipts. Repair and improvement receipts. Keep records of and receipts for your repairs and improvements to the house. The distinction between them can be complicated, so for now, you might just want to save everything. When you sell, you can figure out which projects qualify as improvements that lower your capital gains tax liability. IRS Publication 530 (cited above) tells you more and includes a suggested chart for tracking home improvements. Keep records of and receipts for your repairs and improvements to the house. The distinction between them can be complicated, so for now, you might just want to save everything. When you sell, you can figure out which projects qualify as improvements that lower your capital gains tax liability. IRS Publication 530 (cited above) tells you more and includes a suggested chart for tracking home improvements.

Your Personal Records

Keeping track of essential forms was helpful in securing your home and continues to be important. Keep separate files for: * W-2s and other IRS-related papers. W-2s and other IRS-related papers. Keeping track of your income from all sources, whether it's a salary, royalties, or eBay business, is the first step in preparing to file your taxes. Also track incoming money that might look to the IRS like income, but really wasn't, like a gift or reimbursement. Keeping track of your income from all sources, whether it's a salary, royalties, or eBay business, is the first step in preparing to file your taxes. Also track incoming money that might look to the IRS like income, but really wasn't, like a gift or reimbursement.* Health insurance records. Health insurance records. In case of emergency, every member of your household should know your and their health insurance information. Also consider creating documents showing who's authorized to make health care decisions for you if you aren't able to; see "What You Can Cover in Your Health Care Documents" and related articles in the Wills & Estate Planning section of Nolo's website, In case of emergency, every member of your household should know your and their health insurance information. Also consider creating documents showing who's authorized to make health care decisions for you if you aren't able to; see "What You Can Cover in Your Health Care Documents" and related articles in the Wills & Estate Planning section of Nolo's website, www.nolo.com.* Auto insurance. Auto insurance. Though you should keep a copy of your car registration and current insurance information inside the car itself, you should also keep them on file, in case of loss or theft. Make sure you can easily find the vehicle identification number. Though you should keep a copy of your car registration and current insurance information inside the car itself, you should also keep them on file, in case of loss or theft. Make sure you can easily find the vehicle identification number.

The Art of Organizing Bookstores and websites are full of great resources for those who love to organize. (You know who you are-one clue is if the Container Store is your home away from home.) Real Simple Real Simple magazine and organizing guru Julie Morgenstern both have useful books to keep your place decluttered. And if you want to hire a pro, check out the National Association of Professional Organizers, magazine and organizing guru Julie Morgenstern both have useful books to keep your place decluttered. And if you want to hire a pro, check out the National Association of Professional Organizers, www.napo.net, for leads.

Back to the Future: Get Your Finances on Track

You've already made a budget (in Chapter 3). It may be time to revisit it to realistically account for the expenses of homeownership, which can be different from and higher than renting. (Of course, some of these expenses will be deductible, and if you alter your exemption status, this can also change your monthly cash flow.) The point is to make sure your budget is realistic and to stick to it, especially since you'll probably be tempted to do a lot at once-like buy furniture, restock your pantry, and remodel the outdated bathroom.

Here are some other ways to make the most of what you've got: * Hire a tax professional. Hire a tax professional. A pro can help you take maximum advantage of your brand-new investment and avoid incomplete filings with the IRS. A pro can help you take maximum advantage of your brand-new investment and avoid incomplete filings with the IRS.* Check out additional resources. Check out additional resources. In fact, you might want to literally check these out, at the library. See favorite books like In fact, you might want to literally check these out, at the library. See favorite books like The Complete Tightwad Gazette The Complete Tightwad Gazette, by Amy Dacyczyn (Villard), and Pinch A Penny Till It Screams Pinch A Penny Till It Screams, by Madeline Clive (Lucerna Publishing).* Eat in more. Eat in more. You've got a new kitchen, so experiment! There are hundreds of great websites ( You've got a new kitchen, so experiment! There are hundreds of great websites (www.epicurious.com is one of our favorites). And if you're really pennypinching, check out is one of our favorites). And if you're really pennypinching, check out Dining on a Dime: 1000 Money Saving Recipes and Tips Dining on a Dime: 1000 Money Saving Recipes and Tips, by Tawra Jean Kellam and Jill Cooper (Newman Marketing), and The Frugal Family's Kitchen Book The Frugal Family's Kitchen Book, by Mary Weber (Cranberry Knoll Publishers LLC). An Internet search for "frugal recipes" will turn up plenty, too.* Restart your savings. Restart your savings. With all the financial rigmarole you've just been through, saving may sound like a pleasant dream. However, careful goal-setting can help you rebuild funds-plenty of millionaires can tell you the benefits of saving just a little at a time. With all the financial rigmarole you've just been through, saving may sound like a pleasant dream. However, careful goal-setting can help you rebuild funds-plenty of millionaires can tell you the benefits of saving just a little at a time.

Congratulations!

It may be hard to believe, but you've reached your goal. You prioritized your needs, figured out what you could afford, researched where to find it and whom to get to help you, negotiated and closed your deal, and actually moved in. You're at the end of the road, so settle in and enjoy-this is home!

APPENDIX A A.

How to Use the CD-ROM