With the start of the new year, now is the perfect time for homeowners to set some personal resolutions that will help protect their most valuable investment. While most homeowners start out with a solid plan for paying off their loans and performing needed repairs, it is easy to fall off course over time. Here are five resolutions that every homeowner should have in mind when setting goals this year that will pay off in higher home values and financial security over the upcoming years.

Keep Up with Seasonal Maintenance

It often seems as though seasonal maintenance never ends. However, completing basic home maintenance tasks every season is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious problems from occurring. For example, something as simple as keeping trees trimmed back from the home can prevent roof damage as well as pest infestations. Head off problems now by resolving to establish a regular schedule for seasonal maintenance, and plan ahead of time by having a list of contractors on hand that can handle any tasks that are too tough to tackle alone.

Ensure Coverage for Emergencies

An essential part of homeownership is having a plan in place for emergencies. This year, homeowners should resolve to purchase house insurance plans that will help ensure their financial security in the event of an emergency. Those who already have a home warranty will also need to double check to make sure it provides adequate coverage. For example, new additions to the home, such as a swimming pool or new appliances, may mean that it is time to purchase a new policy or upgrade a current one.

Complete a Home Inventory

Upon moving into a new home, a person should have conducted a thorough home inventory that can be used to file a claim in the event of damages incurred. However, it is common for these inventories to fall out-of-date as new property is acquired. The beginning of the year is the ideal time to assess any new acquisitions such as electronic equipment or outdoor facilities that should be included on a person’s home inventory. Then, the home inventory should be stored in a safe place such as a safety deposit box or in an online storage file.

Make Extra Mortgage Payments

Paying off the mortgage early is a homeowner’s dream come true; however, this goal can only be accomplished with some careful planning. Homeowners can start small by simply resolving to pay one extra mortgage payment a year. Those who have extra money in their budget can take this resolution to the next level by making bimonthly payments that will put them even further ahead of their estimated pay off date. Even if a homeowner makes just one extra payment a year, they will be able to save a significant amount of money over the lifetime of their loan. Finally, those who have experienced a change in their income or credit score may be able to explore refinancing options that can make paying off the mortgage a more feasible reality.

Finish That Home Improvement Project

Every homeowner has some type of home improvement project that has been sitting on the back burner. Whether a person’s plans got off track due to the holidays or the job proved to be too tough to handle alone, now is the time to resolve to get it completed. Set up a schedule for performing any remaining steps in the project, or hire a contractor who can finish it up correctly. This will help to get the new year off to a better start so that a person’s schedule can be clear for handling any additional repair projects that arise during the upcoming year.

Although it is always a great idea to make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight or save more money, it is also essential to take a good, long look around the home to check for any resolutions that could contribute to a better lifestyle. By taking stock of their current home mortgage and associated policies, homeowners can prepare for the years ahead while taking advantage of every opportunity to protect their most valuable investment.