17 Things Only a Home Owner Would Understand

Home buyers, beware. After you buy your house, something, somewhere, will leak; even if you've just gotten new pipes or had the pipes replaced. I've heard stories of bathtubs springing leaks and seeping down into the kitchen light fixtures and kitchen sinks that have starting behaving badly.

Heating and Cooling Systems Choosing the Worst Time to Break

Oh, it's cold out today? Tell that to your furnace, which just decided that today is the day it quits working. A similar thing will happen in the summer, when the air conditioning decides to give up the ghost on the hottest day of the year.

Critters in the Chimney

Nothing will encourage you to get a cover for your chimney quicker than learning that squirrels, raccoons, or other critters have decided to make it their home. Last year, I had the distinct pleasure of finding a pigeon that made its way from the top of my chimney all the way to the fireplace.

Mice in Winter, Ants in Summer

Renters have to deal with mice, ants, and other pests, too; but, they can call the landlord to handle it or move out if things get too crazy. You, on the other hand, have to start trapping the mice yourself, figure out a way to get the ants out or call an exterminator.

Getting to Know Your Neighbors (Perhaps a Bit Too Well)

Home buyers, might I also recommend investing in curtains, blinds, and a fence. While you want to get friendly with your neighbors, you don't want them to see you in various states of undress. Nor do you want them to get the idea that they can just wander over any time of day.

Hidden Prizes Beneath Paint or Carpet

Some homeowners hit the proverbial jackpot: they find hardwood floors in great condition underneath dingy carpet. I had the opposite experience in my own home. Instead of lovely hardwood floors, I found layers upon layers of wallpaper, covered over with a few coats of paint.

Paying for Everything

Heating bills, electric bills, water bills, surprise repair bills when something breaks (and something will break) – these are things home buyers can look forward to. Renters, who get to call their landlord when something goes awry, just don't get it.

Not Worrying Too Much About Superficial Damage

When you rent, any dings or marks on the wall or stains on the carpet can mean losing part of your security deposit. You don't have to worry as much about small marks or superficial damage when you buy, since no one's going to come around with a checklist and take money out of your pocket.

Dying Appliances

First rule of homeownership: your appliances will die at the most unexpected and least opportune times. I'm talking about the refrigerator throwing in the towel the day before your first Thanksgiving meal. The washing machine deciding to break down as you try to pack for your vacation. That sort of thing. It's par for the course, and wise owners know to have an emergency fund specifically for such breakdowns.

Even a Small Yard Can Be Daunting

You wanted this yard; it's part of the reason you bought a home. But, mowing the lawn or pulling weeds can get the better of us, especially when it's hot.

Watching a Yard Grow and Change Over Time

It's hard to describe the joy you feel when those daffodil bulbs you planted in the fall turn into flowers in the spring, then come back the next year and do it all again. Sure, you can plant bulbs and perennials at a rental, but it's just not the same thing.

DIY Projects That Get Out of Control

Every homeowner is guilty of trying to DIY beyond their abilities at some point or another. Whether it's trying to fix the plumbing when the best thing to do is call a pro or even just put together a piece of furniture, there should be a DIY Hall of Shame.

The Complexities of Choosing Paint Colors

The paint section of your local hardware store takes on a whole new meaning after you buy a home. You'll spend hours in the aisle, trying to decide between 'cafe au lait' or 'bone folder' shades of paint. You might end up bringing home handfuls of paint samples, which you'll put on the wall, only to analyze some more.

Coasters Are Amazing

Your home, and its furniture, becomes your baby in many ways when you buy. Even if you couldn't care less before, coasters will become your new favorite thing. You might even become one of those people who asks others to take their shoes off when coming into your house.

Wearing Four Sweaters in Winter is a Good Thing

We all remember our first wintertime heating bill as homeowners. Once you've picked yourself off of the ground, you'll start to see why layering, blankets, and even putting on your scarf and hat indoors is a good idea.

The Desire to Constantly Upgrade

Don't be surprised if Home Depot or Lowes seems to become your home away from home after buying. Your house is your baby, and you'll feel the need to constantly pamper it and give it new things, from a shiny new faucet in the bathroom to new light fixtures in the kitchen.

The Joys of Itemizing

Dear homeowner, say hello to Schedule A. Schedule A, meet homeowner. If you have a mortgage, you get to deduct the interest you pay. It's one of the only loans that lets you do so; so, be proud to be part of a special club.