The home gadgets that real estate agents recommend

The thrill of buying a new home, filling it with new furniture and décor is a concept that excites most homebuyers. But real estate agents recommend new home buyers invest a little in some not-so-sexy home items that are more practical than appealing.

According to a report from Apartment Therapy, some of the essential items needed to keep your home functioning smoothly and safely include things like a water leak detector and new door locks. A smart water leak detector can attach to some plumbing fixtures and alert you if it senses a potential leak before it gets out of hand. Agents also strongly recommend new door locks as soon as you close escrow. Never assume you have been given a copy of every key to your home, even if you are purchasing a new build.

Other essentials that may not necessarily spruce up a new home but could be invaluable in the event of an emergency is an earthquake preparedness kit, a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector in every room.

Today, conforming no-point 30-year fixed mortgage rates are averaging 3.0 percent and 15-year rates are near 2.25 percent.

Do you have a question for Real Estate & Mortgage Analyst Mehran Aram? Submit your queries about a home purchase, refinance, or reverse mortgage via Aramco.biz, social media (#AramcoReport), or over the phone at (877) 700-0942 and your questions may be featured in an upcoming article.