Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home (71 page)

•
Have a neighbors-only party.
An after-work cocktail hour, weekend high tea or barbecue, or dessert evening works well. The neighbors will probably be more relaxed among each other than with your regular crowd.

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Knock on doors.
Don’t wait for the neighbors to come to you! Bring cookies or another small gift, like a bar of handmade soap or a coupon for “one emergency cup of sugar or equivalent.”

The Fastest Way to a Neighbor’s Heart

 

Be the neighborhood’s favorite new baker with Mom’s Crunchy Granola Cookies:

1. Combine and beat with rotating mixer until creamy: 1 cup shortening; ¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed; ⅜ cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 T hot water; 1 tsp. vanilla.

2. Add and mix with a wooden spoon: 1½ cups flour, 1 tsp. soda, 2 cups crunchy granola. Optional: Stir in ½ cup walnuts and ½ cup raisins OR a 6 oz. package butterscotch chips OR all three.

3. Drop by teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 375° for ten minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.

 

 

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Look for community activities.
You may have just moved in, but you’ll also want to get out sometimes. Whatever your interests (knitting, tennis, reading, cooking, running, or gardening), there’s probably a local group that fits. Check out the local paper, ask your neighbors, search online, or visit the community center (if any).

•
Volunteer at school.
You can participate by becoming a room parent, going on field trips, and generally helping out in the classroom (unless of course your kids are teens—then your presence might not be encouraged).

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Start a carpool, playgroup, or babysitting co-op.
If your kids’ school isn’t within walking distance, start or join a carpool with nearby parents. Playgroups and babysitting co-ops are also great ways to meet and get to know other families. Check out
www.babycenter.com
for ideas.

•
Have a kids’ party.
Just because no one’s having a birthday doesn’t mean that you can’t have a party. Decorate the house, serve up some kiddie treats, and play a few games.

•
Change the locks.
If you don’t, you won’t know who has keys to your front door (the seller’s wacky houseguest from two years ago and several neighbors, perhaps). If you haven’t already, call a locksmith or visit a hardware store.

•
Reset the alarm code.
Choose a number you’ll remember, share it on a “need to know” basis, and keep the owners’ manual on hand in case you’re in a jam. If there’s no alarm system, now might be the time to consider getting one (prices are more reasonable than you might think).

•
Check smoke detectors and sprinkler systems.
Though the inspector told you whether these were up to code, make sure they’re still in good working order. For your family’s safety, consider installing them in every bedroom or hallways that lead to bedrooms. And if you’re in a building with a sprinkler system, make sure you know how it works and where your unit’s sprinkler heads are.

•
Plan an escape route.
In a panicked situation, your halls might feel like a labyrinth. Make sure every family member knows all entrances and exits, how to get out from the second floor, and where to meet up if separated.

•
Childproof everything.
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably done this before. Put chemicals and cleaning supplies out of reach, and add child safety locks to all cabinets. Also put important phone numbers (your cell phone, police, fire department, health care providers, and more) as well as your address on a bulletin board or refrigerator for babysitters.

One Way to Test Your Locks
...

 

Luke:
It’s the kind of lock burglars look for.

Lorelai:
Why do burglars look for that lock?

Luke:
Because it’s easy to break into. I proved that.

Lorelai:
You proved that by … ?

Luke:
Breaking in through the back door.

—Gilmore Girls

 

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Remind the kids how to get home.
Have your kids memorize their new address and telephone number and your full name. Make sure their school has the correct contact information for you.

• decorating without maxing out your credit card

• planning a remodel on your own, or finding professionals to help you, and

• beautifying any outdoor space.

•
Inventorying.
Make a list of what you already have, and find the holes. For example, a rug you haven’t used in years may fit perfectly in your new hallway.

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Prioritizing.
Distinguish what you need to buy (a bedside lamp) from what you want (sleeker cabinet knobs). Rank your priorities from highest to lowest, and space purchases out to fit your budget.

 

TIP

 

Small price, big impact.
You don’t need to replace all your furniture to get a fresh look. Consider sprucing up your rooms with candles, pictures, or thrift store vases or adding color with paint, pillows, or a tablecloth. Check out
www.thebudgetdecorator.com
.

 

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Researching.
Shop around for the best deals. Consider buying used, from Internet vendors or at discount shops, consignment stores, flea markets, or end-of-the-season clearances.