Homeowners

7 Homeownership Surprises That Might Hit in Year One—And How to Handle Them

You’ve signed the papers, received the keys, and stocked up on moving boxes—homeownership is yours at last. But before you settle in too comfortably, a gentle reminder: No matter how meticulous your inspection was, the first year in a new home is usually full of surprises.

Systems fail, quirks appear, and suddenly that home that checked all your boxes has a to-do list.

“Every new homeowner should anticipate a unique, somewhat comedic initiation rite: unexpected home repairs,” said Johnny Austin, a real estate agent in Tacoma, Wash.

Before you panic, take a deep breath. Many new homeowners face some issues, many of which are often manageable, and not a reason to regret your purchase. Most problems have straightforward solutions—and by year two, you’ll barely flinch when something else inevitably needs attention.

The HVAC system gets wonky

Maybe the AC isn’t cooling as well as you thought, or the furnace takes forever to warm the home. Heating and cooling systems can behave differently once you’re actually living in the space, and age plays a major role in performance.

“HVAC issues frequently arise in the summer when everyone runs their units heavily, especially during their first summer in a new home,” said real estate professional Aaron Buchbinder at Compass in Boca Raton, Fla. “Many forget to service the system—particularly if they’re coming from managed properties where maintenance was handled for them.”

What to do: First, change the air filters (a task you should do at least every three months as a homeowner). Next, check the vents for any blockages—sometimes, the simplest tweaks can make a big difference. If that doesn’t solve the issue, call a professional to service the unit.

Your appliances start acting their age

Those appliances looked just fine when you bought the home. Now, the ice maker is leaking, the dishwasher isn’t draining, and the washing machine sounds like it’s about to burst. In the world of home appliances—lifespans may be shorter than you think.

“I bought a beautifully renovated townhouse, thinking I’d dodged the classic fixer-upper bullet,” said Austin. “Yet within three months, the supposedly ‘brand-new’ dishwasher regurgitated gallons of soapy water across my kitchen floor.”

What to do: Start with the appliance’s manual—often, common issues have simple fixes. If an appliance is approaching its 10-year mark, consider whether repairs are worth it or if it makes more sense to replace it. A home warranty (if you have one) might cover some of the cost, so check your policy.

The basement shows signs of water

Everything looked fine when you moved in, but after a heavy rainfall, you notice a damp smell—or worse, a puddle creeping along the floor. Water intrusion is a common first-year wake-up call.

“The biggest issue I see new homeowners facing within the first year is water in the basement,” said author and real estate professional Jason Gelios of Metro Detroit, Mich. “Many times, new homeowners will see some current or existing evidence of water in the basement the first time it rains.”

What to do: Start with your gutters—clogged or misdirected downspouts are often the culprit. If water is seeping through the foundation, sealing small cracks with waterproofing sealant can help. For persistent moisture, a sump pump or French drain might be necessary.

Cracks appear in the walls

A few months in, you notice thin cracks running along the walls or ceiling of your new home. Before assuming the home is about to collapse, know that minor settling is completely normal.

What to do: If cracks are hairline thin, a little spackle and paint should take care of them. Call a structural expert to rule out a foundation issue if they widen beyond a quarter-inch.

Uninvited critters show up  

Once you move in, you may start noticing tiny trails of ants in the kitchen or the occasional mouse darting across the basement. It’s not that the seller left you with a pest problem—homes that sit empty for even a short period can become prime targets.

What to do: Seal up any gaps around windows, doors, and pipes. If critters keep showing up, call a professional exterminator before a minor issue turns into an infestation.

The roof starts to fail

A few months after moving in you may notice a suspicious damp spot on the ceiling. Didn’t the inspector check the roof? Yes, but small vulnerabilities—loose shingles, deteriorating flashing—can take a little time (and bad weather) to reveal themselves.

What to do: If you see missing shingles or leaks that keep coming, a roofer can tell you if a simple fix will work or if a bigger overhaul is needed.

Your lawn goes to seed

The yard that was lush now has brown patches, weeds, or areas that turn into a swamp after rain. The previous owner may have given it a last-minute refresh before selling but maintaining a healthy lawn is another story.

“Landscape management can be a challenge for those who’ve never taken care of a lawn before, turning a simple yard into an unexpected headache,” explained Buchbinder.

What to do: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots. Consider getting your soil tested to determine what nutrients your lawn might be missing. If drainage is an issue, grading adjustments may be needed. But in most cases, consistency in mowing, watering, and fertilizing can bring your yard back to life.

How to cover unexpected expenses

If you think you may need a “just in case” fund as a new homeowner, you can structure your home purchase to keep more cash on hand.

One way is to have the seller cover some of your closing costs. Lenders allow sellers to contribute a percentage of the purchase price, typically between 3% and 6%, depending on your loan type. This reduces the amount you need upfront, letting you maintain your savings for post-move-in expenses.

If you need money later, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) lets you borrow against your home’s value. Think of it as a money safety net for unexpected repairs. Just keep in mind that HELOCs come with variable interest rates, so your payment could fluctuate over time.