Being a new homeowner can be a labor of love.
For all its benefits, it’s also a stressful time – you may be dealing with DIY renovations, unexpected costs, and much, much more.
Friends and family can be a helpful resource, but when you’re in a pinch, being able to quickly find the answers to your questions online is certainly beneficial.
From design inspiration to home renovations to cost calculators, below we highlight some of our favorite digital resources for new homeowners:
#1: Houzz
First on our list is one of the most popular online resources for new homeowners that need design inspiration or help on their next project.
You can sift through millions of photos of renovations and redecorations to gather ideas and inspiration, shop for products and materials, and even connect with home design professionals to plan and schedule a large project.
Whether you're decorating a small room or remodeling the kitchen, Houzz is a great place to find design inspiration, discover products and materials, and hire professionals to help you finish the job.
#2: Reddit
No matter how specific or niche your question, chances are that you can find the answer on Reddit.
Boasting one of the largest and active communities online, Reddit is a goldmine of useful information for new homeowners. You can browse posts from other Redditors, post your own questions, and so much more.
Success or failure on Reddit often comes down to finding the right “subreddits” (essentially specialized forums). If you need some help getting started, we recommend checking out r/HomeImprovement, r/DIY, r/InteriorDesign, r/DesignMyRoom, r/landscaping, and r/LandscapingTips.
#3: Notion
Whether you’re looking for tips on how to protect your home from water damage, fire damage, and more, or you want to stay abreast of the latest news and products in the smart home space, Notion’s blog is a great resource to check out.
If you’re a Notion user, it’s also a great place to stay updated about product features, tips, offers, and more.
And don’t forget that you can also save 10% on your first purchase when you sign up for Notion’s newsletter!
#4: Mint
Homeownership is notoriously expensive. From down payments to moving costs, renovations, and more, keeping track of your spending can be a bit of a nightmare.
Enter: Mint.
Mint is a free budgeting app that connects all of your financial accounts in one place, giving you a high-level snapshot of your financial health. You can use the app to keep track of your spending (including both one-off purchases and recurring expenses), track budget objectives, receive payment reminders, and more.
The best part? When you link your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts with Mint, the app will automatically update and categorize your expenses for you!
#5: YouTube
Like Reddit, YouTube is an incredible resource for new homeowners. Whether you need help installing a backsplash in your kitchen or you’re looking for tips on installing new kitchen appliances, you can almost certainly find a video guide on YouTube.
Some YouTube channels worth checking out include Home RenoVision DIY, The Home Depot, and HouseImprovements. But if you need help with a specific task, simply type the topic or query into YouTube’s search engine. You should have no trouble finding exactly what you’re looking for.
#6: Nextdoor
Making friends with the neighbors is easier than ever thanks to Nextdoor, a social platform that lets you connect with people who live in your area.
While the app is a great way to engage with your community, it also has plenty of practical applications. For example, you can use Nextdoor to list items for sale, find local deals, and ask for recommendations for home repair, real estate, maintenance, and other services.
#7: This Old House
This Old House has been helping new homeowners with renovation projects and DIY tasks since 1979!
This Old House actually started as a television show on PBS, but today, they’re best known as an online resource with thousands of helpful videos and articles on everything home improvement.
Whether you need tips on plumbing and interior design, or help picking out the best products for your home, This Old House has you covered.
#8: TaskRabbit
Need help with a small job in your new home – like replacing a leaky faucet or assembling a piece of furniture? Then you may want to check out TaskRabbit.
Available in over 50 U.S. cities, TaskRabbit is a task-based service that connects homeowners with contractors and freelancers. Everything from cleaning, moving, delivery, and handyman work is offered on the platform. Simply find a “tasker” who can provide the service you need, agree on a rate, and book. It’s as simple as that!
And that’s it! Becoming a new homeowner can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Hopefully the resources we listed above can help you on your new journey.
