Congratulations, you bought a home! You have made it through the process of searching for the perfect home - putting in an offer, undergoing the inspection, completing all financial requirements and signing all of those disclosures. Now it is time to unpack and get settled in to your new home, right? What if I told you there are a few things that should have your attention before getting too settled in. Things that, if left unaddressed, could lead to stress down the road... Here are a few things that any homebuyer, first-time or seasoned mover, should do after getting the keys to their new home:
Notify the USPS - Set up mail-forwarding services and ensure your employer, doctor's offices, children's schools, and any other relevant parties know of your new address.
Utilities - Ensure utilities are transferred or established in your new home. Start with the essentials, such as gas/electric, water, and garbage, so that you can ensure your home is comfortable and functional after you finish getting moved in.
Insurance - Double check with your insurance provider to see if home-and-auto bundling would result in a discount. It's also a good idea to thoroughly read over your homeowners' insurance policy to understand what is covered and if there are any areas of coverage that you may need to supplement.
Warranties - If a home warranty wasn't included in your purchase, you may look into purchasing coverage to ensure your needs are met in the event of a major appliance or home system breakdown.
Pets - Check with the city and county you are residing in to ensure all licensing requirements are met. In some circumstances, additional insurance coverage and fence requirements may be necessary.
Cleaning & Painting - Prior to the move is a perfect time to thoroughly clean your new home and do any painting you know you would like to complete. It's much easier to clean and paint without the added worry of ensuring furniture stays clean!
Security - Change the locks and door codes as soon as you're able to do so. You may also look into adding extra layers of security such as cameras or a security system so that you can protect your new home and all of its contents.
Safety - Ensure you check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure everything is functioning correctly. You may buy a fire extinguisher for the home, or adjust the temperature of the water heater. It is also a good idea to walk the perimeter of your home to ensure all pipes that mitigate gases are clear of any blockages.
Get to Know Your Home - Look around your home and make sure you are able to locate shut-off valves, such as water and gas. Locate the breaker box, and check to ensure your sump pump is running efficiently if applicable.
Renovation List - If you're moving into an older home, utilize the home inspection list to determine any repairs or renovations that need to be completed if they were not done by the seller.
Maintenance Plan - Check major appliances and home systems and make a plan for regular servicing or DIY maintenance. Examples might include your HVAC system, gutters, filters, and preventative pest-management.
Meet Your Neighbors - Write a short letter or go door-to-door to introduce yourself to neighbors. Some neighborhoods may have groups on social media, or may utilize apps, such as NextDoor.
Documents - Make a plan for storing important documents. This may mean you purchase a fireproof safe, or look to store documents elsewhere. Now would be a great time to review any legal documentation, such as a will, to ensure your home purchase is reflected.
Save Money - You've spent time saving for your home, but it doesn't stop there! Try to set a little bit of money aside per paycheck to ensure you've got an emergency home repair fund, should you have an unplanned expense pop up.
Whether this is your first home or your third home, it is important to follow this list. Feel free to modify this list to meet your unique needs! By doing a little extra up front, you will save yourself stress and money down the road... But don't forget to take time to celebrate the purchase of your new home!
Brought to you by Jackie Lenz, Realtor & CEO of Locality Real Estate, Inc. & Morgan Roy
CA DRE Lic # 01522261
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