Buying your first home feels like reaching a finish line, but it’s really a new beginning. There’s no property manager now, no one else to manage the repairs, or make seasonal calls. Maintenance is your job, and while the list can seem endless, most tasks boil down to small things done consistently. Start with a few clear habits and you’ll avoid the late-night leaks and expensive emergency visits that haunt unprepared homeowners. Below are a few hidden responsibilities and essential checks, each one simple but important, that every new homeowner should know.