Congratulations on completing your new home! Successfully closing on a home in today’s market is an accomplishment worth celebrating. After you’ve gone through the stages of house hunting, making an offer, securing a mortgage, and finally signing a contract, you may be wondering what happens next besides moving. Is there anything else to think about or do now?Homeowners?
Once you’ve signed the paperwork and gotten your keys, there are a few things you’ll want to complete to ensure a worry-free and comfortable transition into your new home. Home in Miami, Florida or portland oregon, or anywhere in between. This Redfin article explains 17 important things to do right after you buy a home.
1. Secure your home
secure a new home As soon as you receive your keys, we begin with the important step of changing the lock, garage code, and all access points. This simple but important step will ensure you have control over who enters your property, increasing your overall sense of safety and peace of mind. Because you don’t know who owns the set of keys for your existing lock.
The cost of replacing a lock will depend on factors such as the level of security you’re looking for, the complexity of the lock, and whether you choose a professional locksmith service or a DIY approach. If you have an alarm system installed in your home, budget for potential reconnection fees or consider switching providers.
During the closing process, be sure to request instruction manuals and codes for electronic systems, including home alarms and garage codes. Then be sure to change these codes that only you know. If a manual is not available, online resources may provide reprogramming instructions for your convenience.
2. Take safety precautions for children and pets
If you have young ones at home or a furry friend or two, be sure to do the following: baby friendly And by keeping your space pet-free, you’ll ensure your new home is safe for both children and furry companions. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, use outlet covers, secure heavy furniture to walls, and move furniture away from windows. Store long electrical and window cords safely and employ cabinet locks to restrict access from children and pets.
Additionally, store cleaners, detergents, trash cans, heavy cooking utensils, sharp objects, and potentially dangerous packaging supplies in a safe location and keep hazardous items out of reach. These precautions create a child- and pet-friendly environment, minimize potential risks, and promote a safe living space for the whole family.
3. Create the necessary documents
During a major move, administrative tasks may not be a top priority. However, processing important documents is critical after the move, as some applications have strict deadlines and oversights can result in fines.
change address
Please update your address immediately, within one week of your move. USPS website And the local DMV. Important authorities such as the IRS, state tax authorities, banks, credit card providers, employers, and insurance companies must also be notified. Certain states require a new state driver’s license to update your insurance information.
Forward e-mail
After submitting your new address to the relevant authorities, please forward your mail through the old post office. This prevents documents from being sent to the wrong address during migration.
Update your voter registration
If you intend to vote in local or federal elections, please update your voter registration at the DMV at the same time as your driver’s license or through available online options. Note that state-specific deadlines are typically 15 to 30 days before the election.
Make copies of financial statements
We recommend that you save copies of your exit documents and locate the originals in a safe location and store them in a lockable filing cabinet or safe.
Create a checklist for your home project based on your home inspection
Use the home inspection checklist to address pressing home issues and prioritize major issues due to safety concerns before tackling minor repairs.
4. Double-check your homeowner’s insurance
Especially when it comes to insurance companies, homeowners insurance, they are usually aware of your change of address during the mortgage process. This is because having homeowners insurance is a standard requirement for getting a mortgage. The insurance company will be notified of your new property and address and will ensure that the residence is properly covered for potential risks and liability.
However, it’s important for homeowners to proactively work with their insurance company to ensure coverage tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of their new home. The appropriate level of coverage is determined by considering a variety of factors, including the property’s location, size, construction materials, and potential risks in the surrounding area. By proactively reviewing and updating your homeowners insurance, you can ensure you have the right protection for the unique aspects of your new home.
5. Purchase or check your home warranty
While this is certainly not required, some homeowners home warranty This is to provide you with enhanced security, financial protection, and peace of mind. Choosing a reliable and affordable home warranty will ensure you have a safety net against unexpected breakdowns of critical home systems and appliances. It can be a wise choice, especially for first-time home buyers, as it gives them peace of mind in case of potential repairs. In some cases, home sellers may include a home warranty as an incentive to complete the sale, so it’s worth checking the coverage details. In these cases, taking a closer look at your home warranty terms can help you understand what’s covered and help you own your home with more confidence.
6. Connect utilities
Make sure utilities are turned off in your previous residence and arrange for transfer or start-up in your new residence. Researching utility companies before you move will help you choose the best option. Depending on the provider you choose, expect there may be transfer fees or new service setup fees. New customers should consult their utility company to understand the steps required to establish service.
Here’s a short list of utilities you’ll need to set up.
- water and sewage
- gas
- electricity
- Garbage/garbage collection (if applicable to new home)
7. Check safety alarms
Not all home security measures are aimed solely at deterring intruders.Some are made as follows Protect from health damage and potential accidents. Home alarms such as toxic gas and fire alarms play an important role in ensuring the safety of your family. As you settle into your new home, it’s a good idea to inspect these alarms to make sure they have batteries and are working properly. Common home alarms include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, radon detectors, and window and door security sensors.
If the alarm is found to be defective, replace it immediately. Additionally, even if your alarm appears to be working, maintain optimal safety practices by regularly checking the installation date and replacing units that are more than 10 years old.
8. Set up TV, Internet, and phone service
Some providers offer bundle packages that encompass TV, Internet, and phone services. Once you choose a service provider, you can choose to install the internet or cable yourself or schedule a technician to come and handle the installation process. This flexibility allows for a convenient and customized approach to setting up your preferred services in your new home.
9. Locate the circuit box and check the emergency shutoff device and appliance manual.
It is important to get used to your new home. Locate emergency shutoff devices such as water mains or circuit breaker boxes. If your circuits don’t have labels, take the time to add them and specify which labels correspond to each room or appliance. Gather all appliance manuals for reference as needed. Understanding these details will help you effectively manage and troubleshoot issues that may arise in your home.
10. Use inspection reports as a maintenance to-do list
Please check again after purchasing a home. home inspection report As for the unresolved issues. Use this report as a reference for listing future repairs, updates, and maintenance tasks. Prioritize these tasks based on urgency and focus on addressing issues that may lead to problems later. Paying attention to issues like dirty gutters, leaky pipes, or doors and windows that need resealing, we focus on your most pressing concerns first to protect your new investment and prevent potential complications down the road. Please try to work on it.
11. Test the water
Ensuring the quality of your home’s water is important for a variety of reasons. Water contains contaminants such as pesticides, bacteria, lead, nitrates, and other pathogens that can pose health risks. Additionally, tap water can contain physical impurities such as sediment, which can cause pipe erosion, hard water buildup, and irritation for people with sensitive skin. Proactively address these concerns by conducting water quality testing through a certified lab. Find your local lab from. environmental protection agency (EPA) to stay ahead of potential water quality issues, protecting both your health and the integrity of your plumbing system.
12. Conducting an energy audit
Electricity is, on average, the most expensive utility for homeowners, and recent years have seen energy costs skyrocket. The first electric bill shock was energy audit– Comprehensive inspection of your home’s energy usage and efficiency. Request an audit from your utility company or hire an independent auditor to evaluate your entire home and analyze each room’s energy efficiency, total energy consumption, HVAC system efficiency, and insulation levels.
13. Replace the HVAC filter
There is no guarantee that the previous homeowner took reasonable care in repairs and maintenance. Given the uncertainty of when your home’s HVAC filter was last replaced, it’s important to err on the side of caution and replace it when you move. A clogged or damaged filter can cause poor air quality, damage to your HVAC system, and a variety of other problems. To maintain optimal performance, we recommend changing your air filter after you move in and continuing to change it every three months.
14. Create a regular maintenance schedule
Instead of trying to tackle all maintenance tasks at once, take a thoughtful approach to tasks that can be spread out over time. This may include routine tasks such as changing air filters, cleaning gutters, and pressure washing the exterior. By developing regular home maintenance checklistensuring a more sustainable and efficient approach to maintaining the long-term health and functionality of your new home.
15. Create an emergency plan
Although it may seem like an extreme measure, developing an emergency plan is an important step that can potentially save lives in the event of a natural disaster. Take time to plan your new home, establish evacuation routes, locate fire extinguishers, and designate outdoor gathering areas. These are all important elements of a well-prepared family emergency plan.
16. Introduce yourself to your neighbors
After purchasing a new home, introducing yourself to your neighbors is an important step in fostering a sense of community and creating a harmonious living environment. Building connections with people who live nearby not only creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in your neighborhood, but also establishes a network of support and friendship. Knowing your neighbors can also give you peace of mind, as they can be valuable allies in times of need or emergencies.
