Nothing, not even a coronavirus pandemic, can stop Black Friday from arriving—in fact, many of this year's hottest bargains rolled out weeks before Thanksgiving, rather than adhering to the tradition of waiting until the day after.
And for first-time home buyers, this is truly a prime opportunity to stock up on all the essentials you need to keep your house in good shape without draining your wallet.
Eager to snag a bargain but not sure what to get? For some help sussing out the best of the best, we've asked some shopping experts to point us in the right direction. Here are their top recommended Black Friday deals for first-time home buyers.
1. Heavy-duty ladder
Price: $80 (was $160), Home Depot
A step stool was good enough in your small apartment, but in an actual house you'll need a lot more reach to hang pictures and change out ceiling lightbulbs.
Ryan Tronier, senior personal finance editor at Slickdeals, recommends this 18-foot Gorilla ladder, which can bear 300 pounds. This lightweight yet sturdy pick also features 20 different adjustable heights, which means no home improvement project will be beyond you now.
2. Cuisinart cookware set
Price: $140 (was $250), Kohl's
Pots and pans may not seem like the most glamorous Black Friday purchase, but the cost quickly adds up if you have empty cabinet space to fill, says Matt Wehner, shopping expert at BestBlackFriday.
To that end, check out the massive discounts on cookware at Kohl's (up to 60% off in some cases) and consider this worthy 11-piece set. Sauteing is a cinch with a durable aluminum core and nonstick coating, plus the silicone handles stay cool and safe to the touch.
3. Roomba vacuum
Price: $300 (was $375), Kohl's
"A robotic vacuum keeps rooms clean with minimal effort, and Black Friday is an excellent time to shop for one—plus this model can be had for even less, about $185, when you use the 15% off coupon in the store ad and with $45 of Kohl's Cash thrown in," says Wehner.
This device works on hardwood floors and carpets and even has a nifty brush that sucks up dirt and pet fur from corners and room edges.
4. Artificial Christmas tree
Price: $79 (was $199), Home Depot
"A first-time home buyer deserves an early gift of a tree this year to make the home feel extra joyous," says Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance and budgeting expert.
This pretty faux fir has a traditional shape and flame-resistant branch tips that look almost like the real deal. Bonus: It comes with a remote control to change the light looks (which the kids will love).
5. Plush mattress topper
Price: $420 (was $750), Wayfair
A bed topper not only cradles you in a plush cocoon of softness every night, but also protects the mattress beneath it. This pick is also hypoallergenic and is compatible with nearly every bed type, including adjustable ones.
6. Smart TV
Price: $250 (was $350), Target
Woroch says first-time home buyers should create an entertainment space by upgrading their TV. This ultrahigh-definition device presents a sparkling picture on a 43-inch screen, which will enhance your apps, streaming options, and gaming fun.
7. Standing mixer
Price: $200 (was $365) Wayfair
Face it: You've wanted a mixer like this for years. And now that you have the counter space in your new kitchen, it's time to make it happen. With 12 speeds and three included attachments, you can mix cake ingredients, knead bread dough, or beat egg whites or whipped cream for all your holiday desserts.
8. Large rug
Price: $254 (was $718) Wayfair
You probably got away with just a few area rugs in your old apartment, but now that you have bigger rooms—and more of them—you'll need larger floor coverings.
The fix: this low-pile gray and taupe carpet, which comes in four sizes. Add a rug pad beneath it for more softness and to protect wood floors.
9. Toolkit
Price: $99 (was $199), Lowe's
You've been promoted—to superintendent in your own home—so outfitting a tool bench now, before things fall apart, is a wise move. This handy box has every ratchet you'll ever need for handling loose light fixtures, faucets, pipe fittings, and more. And the set comes with a lifetime warranty from Craftsman, a trusted home brand.
10. Cordless drill
Price: $199 (was $299), The Home Depot
Think you're going to build that Ikea Tromso bunk bed set with a couple of hex keys? Guess again.
You need a power drill with all the accessories for DIY projects and repairs in a new home—and this one boasts high marks, according to Slickdeals' Tronier.
This six-tool combo set includes an impact driver, reciprocating and circular saws, and a three-year warranty—all covered in a neon yellow color, making it easy to spot in a dark garage.
**Post and images from Realtor.com by Jennifer Kelly Geddes 11/16/2020
