Seasonal discounts home buyers can use

When moving into a new home, you'll likely need to make several trips to the store.

Sure, a detailed home inspection can tell you about the structural integrity of the home, but what if you're more interested in spending some money to alter the visual quality of your new property? There are even some new expenses that can arise if you're moving into a home with vastly different demands than your old living space, especially when transitioning from an apartment to a single-family home. Of course, these expenses can add up, and you may be wondering how you can reduce those extra costs.

Consumer Reports may have your answer, as it recently created a list of seven deep discounts you can find in May. While the list appeals to different needs, a few items are particularly helpful to new homeowners:

• Lawn mowers and tractors: If you're moving into your first home, there's a good chance you haven't yet found the need lawn care equipment. However, if you've moved into a home with a sizeable yard and a homeowner's association, you'll need to take a trip to the hardware store sooner rather than later. With a small lawn, you can get away with a gas or electric push mower, but you'll need to step up to something bigger if your lawn exceeds one-half acre. Luckily, Consumer Reports noted that there are many models that cost thousands of dollars less than their top-rated models while having similar performance. Once you have the right tools for the job, you might even consider building a shed to house all of your new toys.
• Mattresses: Often, moving into a new home means getting a bigger bedroom, which can allow for a bigger bed. After unpacking for hours, there's usually nothing more relaxing than sprawling out across a big mattress. When taking advantage of seasonal mattress deals, Consumer Reports said to look in stores rather than online to have a clear idea of what you're buying, and you'll typically find the less expensive mattresses at the back of the store.
• Carpeting: Although hardwood and laminate are becoming more popular in contemporary homes, you may still have a soft spot for carpeting. Fortunately, May is a good time to find nice carpeting at an affordable price. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn't skimp on quality, as low-end carpeting will wear faster and hold bad smells more easily.
• Cordless phones: In an apartment, there is likely little incentive to have a landline, especially as mobile phones have already made them a low priority. Yet, with the pride of owning a home may come the desire to have phone number attached to the property, especially given that you won't need to transfer the number until you move. Cordless models are convenient, and Consumer Reports noted that they are nearly identical to corded versions in regard to quality.

Some fun discounts

Certainly, you don't move into a home solely for business reasons. There were also three May discounts for that serve entertaining purposes.

If you've upgraded to a sizeable backyard, you might consider adding some camping gear and electronics to your shopping list. A camping trip at home can be a great way to help children adjust to their new surroundings and present a low cost form of family entertainment. With a nice deck or patio, you can even consider entertaining guests with a cookout complemented by music from a home stereo system. According to Consumer Reports, prices tend to be lower for these items in May.

There are even discounts on athletic apparel and shoes if you want to go for morning jogs in the park near your new home.