4 Ways a Costco Membership Benefits First-Time Home Buyers

Buying a home for the first time can fuel a lot of changes in your life. You may need to adjust your budget to account for the costs you're taking on, and you may decide to put your new kitchen to good use by doing more cooking at home.

Another change a home purchase might fuel is joining Costco. A basic Costco membership will cost you $60 a year, while an upgraded Executive membership will cost $120. With an Executive membership, you get 2% cash back on your Costco purchases. But no matter which membership you choose, here are a few ways you can benefit from joining Costco as a newly minted homeowner.

1. Home installation services

Need new blinds for your home? Want to replace worn flooring or carpet? Costco's got you covered, thanks to its wide array of home installation services. 

Whether you need a new air conditioning system or want to install a water softener, going through Costco could make the process seamless and affordable. Plus, many of these services give you a Costco Shop Card as a bonus. That's free money you can use at the store for whatever purchases you need to complete your new home, from furniture pieces to kitchen gadgets.

2. Low-cost bulk cleaning supplies

Part of maintaining a home is making sure it's kept clean. In that regard, Costco can help with its great discounts on bulk cleaning products. 

Clorox all-purpose cleaner, for example, is only $0.11 per ounce online when you buy it from Costco in bulk. And that means it's bound to be even cheaper in the store. At a local supermarket, you may be looking at $0.17 per ounce.

Similarly, Costco makes it easy to buy paper towels in bulk for those inevitable spills, or to make the house-cleaning process easier. A bulk online purchase gives you access to Bounty at a price of $4.57 per 100 square feet. At a regular supermarket, you might pay $5.35 per 100 square feet.

3. Affordable appliances

Costco carries a wide range of appliances, from washers and dryers to refrigerators to stoves. If  you're buying an older home whose appliances have seen better days, Costco could be a good source of affordable replacements.

The upside of buying appliances from Costco is that delivery and installation are always included in your purchase price. Costco will also haul away an unwanted appliance you're replacing for free, and you'll get an automatic two-year warranty included in your purchase. 

4. Access to homeowners insurance

If you're taking out a mortgage to buy your home, you'll need a homeowners policy for that loan to go through. And even if you're a cash buyer, it's still crucial to have homeowners insurance so you're protected in the event that your property sustains damage. 

One lesser-known Costco benefit is that your membership may give you access to affordable insurance for your house or condo. And Costco's homeowners policies offer additional benefits like home glass repair reimbursement and lockout assistance.

A Costco membership could pay off big time if you're new to owning a home. Keep these benefits in mind as you decide whether to sign up.