As a San Diego real estate agent of almost 20 years, I have helped hundreds of buyers into new homes. And those buyers have many of the same questions, one of which is what is most important to address once the home is actually theirs? While it's always exciting to do the really fun and obvious aesthetic things, I always remind buyers that practicality shouldn't be ignored because that can end up costing them more in the long run. 

Here is the full-length Q and A I had with the reporter for the article 5 Things That First-Time Homeowners Need To Upgrade Right From the Jump that was just released today on AOL Finance, followed by the link to the article itself.

1. What are some of the most important upgrades first-time homeowners should consider soon after purchasing a home?

A: If a home is not turn-key upon purchase, I always tell buyers that they will get a lot of bang for their buck if they update the paint and flooring in a home. Having a unified aesthetic theme throughout a property really does wonders for the livability and emotional appeal. That will give them the instant gratification of being in a "remodeled" home, so that they can then tackle the less exciting upgrades like electrical and HVAC.

2. Which upgrades tend to deliver the biggest return in terms of safety, comfort, or long-term cost savings?

A: Upgrading your electrical panel if it's small and outdated can yield a lot of peace of mind in terms of safety, but also functionality in the home. We are using many more devices in homes these days than we did 20 or 30 years ago, so having limited plugs and limited capacity can be a pain point felt daily. And if you are doing that and you live in a sunny locale, it's not a bad idea to see if a solar system makes sense. Utility plans have changed a lot in the last few years, so it's not always economically viable to install one, but it can lead to a lot of savings over the long term if you plan to stay in the home.

3. Are there common maintenance issues or outdated systems that new homeowners often overlook when they first move in?

A: A lot of buyers tend to overlook the sewer system. It's not something people really like to think about, but if it fails, it can be disastrous, so have it scoped before you buy the house. Have root intrusions cleared, get it re-lined, do whatever you need to do so that your sewer system is functioning well.

4. What home systems—such as HVAC, plumbing, roofing, or electrical—should be inspected or upgraded early to avoid expensive problems later?

"The HVAC system in a home should absolutely be serviced every 6 months to maintain and possibly extend its service life. If the system is outdated and not operating efficiently, this is one of the first things I would recommend upgrading because you will ultimately save on energy costs and also avoid the hassle of a system failure that will almost inevitably come at the worst time possible. The electrical system should be fully inspected while in escrow and any needed repairs made upon move-in or before, if possible. That's one system that is incredibly dangerous to overlook because of the fire risk."

5. Are there energy-efficiency upgrades that can significantly reduce monthly utility costs for new homeowners?

"It's not a bad idea to upgrade the insulation in an older home. You can have vendors spray extra insulation into the walls, add additional layers in the attic space, and even place extra insulation on the inside of your garage door. I've had clients open up walls in older homes and literally find old newspapers balled up as the only insulation - it's incredible."

6. What smaller upgrades or fixes can make a noticeable difference in a home’s functionality or longevity?

"Never underestimate the gift of simple things simply working. Make sure your angle stops are replaced, especially if they are corroded. Upgrade any plastic laundry hoses to braided steel for longevity. Install a pressure regulator at your main water line so that you don't run the pressure too high and risk bursting a pipe. These quick upgrades are all affordable and practical, and can avoid the risk of water intrusion, which can be devastating."

7. How should first-time homeowners prioritize upgrades if they are working with a limited budget?

"If you have a limited budget, focus on what is most dire first. If you have a system that is about to fail, take care of it to avoid being in crisis. Make your list and just work your way through it, budgeting along the way."

All answers personally authored by San Diego real estate expert Kimberly Schmidt.

Here is the link to the full article: 5 Things First-Time Homeowners Need to Upgrade Right From the Jump