You have finally closed on a deal and you have your new home! Here are a few ideas on how to make your new house feel like home instantly. Laundry and kitchen appliances should be on the top of your shopping and to-do list if they were not included in the purchase of your new home. Figure out a budget you feel comfortable with and go out and look! Go to more than one store to ask about specials and check out local deals online for McAllen and surrounding areas. Doing your research will help you save some extra cash that can go toward other things for your new house. Another thing to consider is the color palette. If you're not crazy about the one chosen by the previous owners, paint can change the look and feel of a home instantly. Whether you opt for small changes (like painting the trimmings and front door) or bigger transformations (like painting the interior walls or even the exterior!), it's a great way to make your mark and claim the new home as your own. If you didn't negotiate to keep any furnishings, filling up an empty house can seem overwhelming. Move in whatever furniture you do have and play with different layouts until you find one you like. There might be some furniture or accent pieces that don't quite fit in like they did in your previous home, or there may be some bare spots in this new house begging for something that you don't own yet. Making an empty house feel and look like a lived-in home is a process that takes time. Hanging up curtains, mirrors, art, and photos is still one of the simplest and fastest ways to make your new home feel warm and inviting.

Blog inspired by article written by Barbara Ballinger featured in The Monitor and can be seen here: http://homes.themonitor.com/articles/3-42--.html