I Bought a House. Now What?
Congratulations on purchasing your new home! This is an exciting time filled with anticipation, joy, and possibly some stress. After all, buying a house is a significant investment and requires careful planning and consideration. Once the keys are in your hand and the ink on the contract is dry, it's time to focus on the next steps. In this blog, we will cover the first things you should do after buying a house.
Change The Locks
One of the first things you should do after buying a house is to change the locks. You never know who may have a key to your new home, so it's best to start with a fresh set of locks. Hire a locksmith or purchase new locks yourself from a local hardware store. This way, you can ensure that your home is secure and that only you and your family have access to it.
Change Your Address
Changing your address is another crucial task to complete after purchasing a new home. Notify the post office, your bank, credit card companies, and any other institutions where you receive mail. You don't want to miss any important bills or documents during the transition period.
Update Your Personal Documents
Make sure all your personal documents, including your driver's license, vehicle registration, and voter registration, are updated with your new address. This way, you'll avoid any complications with official documentation in the future. If you have animals, check requirements for registration with your local town or city office.
Plan Your Move In
Chances are high you’ve already hired the moving truck to the boxes into your house, but before you unload everything create a plan. Where are the major furniture pieces going to go? What boxes go into specific rooms versus what boxes should go into a storage spot so you can unpack them as you have time? How are you going to discard empty boxes and packing materials – will you offer them up on a free site like Facebook marketplace or do you need to locate a recycling facility? Make sure to set up some empty boxes for donation items so you can de-clutter as you unpack!
Evaluate Your Home Security
Check your home security features and evaluate whether any upgrades or changes are necessary. Install a security system or check that any existing systems are in good working order. Consider adding outdoor lighting or trimming hedges and shrubs to improve visibility around your home. You can also install deadbolts or smart locks for added security. If your home comes with a ring doorbell (or other electronic camera system) make sure you can access the footage and change any permissions so only you and people you trust can access it.
Get Familiar With Your New Home
Before moving in, take some time to get familiar with your new home. Locate the main water valve, the electrical panel, and the gas meter. This will come in handy if you ever experience an emergency or need to turn off the utilities. Also, familiarize yourself with any unique features of the house, such as how to work the thermostat, appliances, sprinkler system and security system.
Wait For Any Major Renovations
When you first move into a new home, it’s common to want to roll up your sleeves and start changing or renovating the space. Unless it’s a major fixer-upper, give yourself a few months in the new house to really get a feel for the lighting in different rooms and how you utilize the space before you change things. This will save you time, money and sweat equity in the long run!
Budget and Prioritize Repairs
Take an inventory of any major or minor repairs that need to be made before moving in (your inspection report can be a great resource!). Prioritize what needs to be taken care of right away and what can wait. Check for any leaks, cracks, or damages that need attention. You may also want to consider having the house deep cleaned or hiring a professional pest control service. Make sure to put some money aside for any unexpected repairs you weren’t anticipating, such as an applicant failing or a faulty pipe that might break a few months into owning the home. Even the best kept or newest home will have some unexpected items pop up!
Set Up Utilities
Before moving in, make sure you have all the necessary utilities set up. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. Contact each provider to set up an account and schedule service activation dates. This way, you'll have everything up and running before moving in, and you won't have to worry about living in the dark or without water. Depending on your location, you may also need to set up trash, recycling or snow removal services as well.
Service Appliances
It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect and clean your heating and cooling systems to ensure everything is working correctly. If your house was inspected prior to moving in, the report should include a basic review of your systems. However, a professional specializing in your heating and cooling systems can give you a deeper insight as to what to expect for future repairs and to double check that the system will work when you need it most.
Update Your Homeowners' and Car Insurance
If you didn't already have homeowners' insurance in place during the purchasing process, now is the time to get it. Contact an insurance agent to set up a policy and ensure that your new home and belongings are adequately protected. If you did have insurance, update your policy with your new address and any changes in coverage. You’ll want to update your car insurance as well since policies usually price differently depending on location and commute times.
Meet Your Neighbors
Take the opportunity to meet your new neighbors and introduce yourself. They can provide valuable insights into the neighborhood, such as the best places to eat, shop, and go for a walk. Additionally, they can inform you of any neighborhood events or safety concerns. Making friends with your neighbors can help you feel more at home and create a sense of community.
Create A Maintenance Schedule
Owning a home comes with a fair amount of maintenance tasks, from mowing the lawn to cleaning gutters. Creating a maintenance schedule will help you stay on top of these tasks and prevent any major problems from occurring. Make a list of regular maintenance tasks, such as changing air filters, testing smoke detectors, and inspecting the roof. Then, schedule these tasks on a calendar, so you know when to do them. By staying on top of maintenance, you can keep your home in good condition and avoid costly repairs.
Tthere are many important things to do after buying a house, from securing your home to setting up utilities and meeting your neighbors. Taking care of these tasks will ensure a smooth transition into your new home and help you feel more comfortable and settled. Congratulations on your new home, and good luck with your new adventure!