Saving on home essentials: A guide for new homebuyers will come in handy. Buying a new home is an exhilarating journey that often involves envisioning how you’ll decorate and furnish your new space. While it’s tempting to rush out and start shopping for furniture and decor, there are important financial considerations to keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll explore savvy strategies to help you save on home essentials and make the most of your budget as a new homeowner.
Prioritize Your Purchases
Before embarking on a shopping spree, take a step back and assess your needs. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
– Make a comprehensive list of everything you need, room by room.
– Take stock of what you already own and cross off items from your list.
– Divide the remaining items into three categories: immediate needs, near-future wants, and items that can wait.
– Calculate your budget to determine how much you can allocate for immediate purchases.
– Consider retaining some existing items temporarily to ease your budget strain.
Additionally, it’s crucial to know which appliances and fixtures are included with your new home purchase, as this can impact your buying decisions.
Time Your Purchases for Savings
Did you know that certain home items tend to go on sale at specific times of the year? By timing your purchases strategically, you can snag significant discounts. Here are some prime times to consider:
– Bedding and linens: January
– TVs: Black Friday/Cyber Monday and late January
– Furniture: February and August, as well as Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
– Large appliances: Labor Day through October
– Small kitchen appliances: May
– Mattresses: Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and 4th of July
– Vacuum cleaners: April
– Tools: June
– Outdoor furniture: August through October
Holiday weekends and the end of a season are particularly fruitful for finding great deals on seasonal items.
Explore Alternative Shopping Sources
If you can’t wait for sales, consider thinking outside the box when it comes to shopping for home essentials. Here are some alternative sources to explore:
– Overstock and liquidation stores: These stores offer steep discounts on unsold items.
– Private membership/warehouse stores: Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club often have excellent deals on home goods.
– Open-box items: Look for discounted, like-new items from retailers like Wayfair and Amazon Warehouse.
– Scratch-and-dent appliances: These appliances are brand new but discounted due to cosmetic flaws.
– Window treatments: Consider off-the-shelf options or custom orders from discount suppliers.
– Secondhand shopping: Thrift stores, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, and Craigslist can be treasure troves of budget-friendly finds.
– Freecycle and “Buy Nothing” groups: These local communities often offer free items to members.
Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate
Many people are unaware that prices for home goods can often be negotiated. Don’t be afraid to haggle for a better deal:
– Compare prices before entering a store and ask if they’ll match a lower price found elsewhere.
– Inquire with store associates or managers about available discounts or coupons.
– Consider paying in cash to potentially secure a discount.
– Check for applicable discounts based on your status (e.g., military, veterans, teachers, first responders, or seniors).
– Point out any imperfections to negotiate a lower price.
– Inquire about floor models, which are often discounted.
Once you’ve negotiated a favorable deal, ask about complimentary delivery or installation to maximize your savings.
Make the Most of Reward Programs and Coupons
Every penny saved counts, so maximize reward programs and discounts:
– Sign up for a change of address kit with the United States Postal Service for valuable coupons.
– Subscribe to retailer email lists and follow them on social media for sale alerts and discounts.
– Enroll in loyalty programs for introductory coupons.
– Utilize coupon and cashback programs like Rakuten and Honey when shopping online.
– Consider setting up a housewarming registry to score discounts on unpurchased items.
Get Creative
If you want to save money and add a unique touch to your new home, consider these creative strategies:
– Repurpose existing furniture for different uses.
– Upgrade old furniture with a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or other improvements.
– Reupholster worn-out furniture instead of buying new.
– Try your hand at DIY furniture projects or repairs.
By thinking creatively, you can give your home a personal and budget-friendly touch.
I’m Here to Help
Budgeting for a new home can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re considering a home purchase, I’m here to offer advice on setting a realistic budget and exploring financial options. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation at ashley@ashqinn.com.
With Saving on home essentials: A guide for new homebuyers, you can make your new house a home without breaking the bank. Happy home shopping! Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram for all things Raleigh and all things Real Estate!
