You’re finally a homeowner! Buying a new home is exciting not only for you, but also for your family, friends, and anyone else who helped in the process of finding the perfect new house for you.
Unfortunately, buying a house can be all-consuming, both during your search and after you sign on the dotted line. It’s easy to get carried away at the moment and forget to take a few simple steps at the close of the deal to ensure you protect yourself in the future.
Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Listed below are some things you need to do after buying a new home.
Change the Locks
Changing the locks gives you peace of mind that your home is protected from any unwanted visitors who may still have the keys to the previous owners. Replacing the locks will reassure you that your house and its contents are safe and secure.
To ensure maximum security, consider having a deadbolt installed on all your doors. That way, you will have the added protection of not being able to unlock your doors with a stolen key.
Schedule Professional Cleaning Services
Professional cleaning services can include scrubbing the floors, dusting and wiping down any furniture, and washing walls and ceilings. Cleaning the windows and baseboards is often included as well. Hiring a professional service to clean the home can ensure that all dirt, dust, and debris that may have been left behind by the previous owners is fully removed.
Check for Repairs
After buying a new home, it is important to check for repairs to ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Look for cracks in the walls, leaky pipes, the chimney exhaust fan, faulty electrical systems, or any other issues that require attention or replacement. It’s best to take care of these repairs sooner rather than later to avoid bigger problems down the road.
Set Up Utilities
Before moving in, ensure that all the utilities are set up in your name. This includes electricity, gas, water, and internet services. It’s essential to have everything up and running to avoid any inconveniences once you move in. Contact your service providers and arrange for the transfer of services as soon as possible.
Research Homeowners Insurance
Home insurance policies vary widely, so compare policies to make sure you are getting the best value and coverage for your money. Make sure you understand what is covered in the policy and if there are any exclusions. It’s also important to read through the fine print to decide if any added costs could pop up later. Finally, make sure you are consistently reviewing your policies for accuracy and coverage levels.
Update Your Address With All Vendors
This is especially important for your banking institution and credit cards. In addition, you should change your address for any companies you have an account with, such as utilities, internet and cable providers, insurance companies, and any other vendors. Make sure to update your address with the U.S. Postal Service as well.
Make Sure to Enjoy Your New Home
Buying a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. There are many things to do to ensure that your new home is well-maintained and comfortable for you and your family. By following the five essential steps outlined above, you can rest easy knowing that you have taken care of the important things. Take your time and enjoy making your new house a home.
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