After your offer is accepted and you count down the days until closing, you can officially put away your homebuying checklist and create a post-closing homeowner checklist. After you close, many items need to be accomplished to have a seamless moving process. Read on to learn more about what to expect after the closing as you transition from homebuyer to a homeowner.
Set Up the Utilities
Transferring utilities, such as cable, internet, electricity, gas, water and trash, to your name immediately after closing will ensure that the service is uninterrupted. Your real estate agent should assist with providing a list of current utility providers and contact information to make the transition seamless. If the property is in an HOA, it is helpful to receive all that contact information as well so you know how to access the community and where to pick up any fobs or gate passes. Your real estate agent should also provide the information for any additional vendors that are employed by the seller prior to closing. This can include pool maintenance, lawn care, pest control, cleaning people etc.
Update Personal Details
Creating a list of everywhere you’ll need to update your address will help keep you organized and ensure you get all the necessary updates.
- Change-of-address form with USPS
- Driver’s license and passport
- Voter registration
- Financial institutions and insurance companies
- Update family and friends
- Medical providers
- Your children’s schools
- Mobile phone carriers
- Additional subscription services that require billing information, such as streaming services, magazines, prescriptions and any additional membership
Change the Locks
Changing the locks should be one of the first things you do after closing, especially if you have a delayed move-in date. There’s no way of knowing who else has copies of the key, so changing the locks as soon as you obtain ownership will help secure your home. Additionally, you will need to change the garage door keypad and the contact information and password for the home’s security system.
Familiarize Yourself With the Shut-Offs
When you buy a new house, there’s a period of time you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the house. Knowing where the utility shut-offs are located is imperative to act quickly in an emergency. When you are having your inspection, ask the inspector to show you the location of these and any quirks you should know about regarding the equipment/location etc. Important shut-offs include:
- Water
- Electricity
- Gas
- Faucets and toilets
- Furnace
- Heaters
- Stoves
- Dishwashers
Create a Home Maintenance Schedule
A new home comes with new maintenance needs, so creating a home maintenance checklist before or immediately following your move-in will keep you organized and help protect your investment. From learning new systems such as a sprinkler system or full-house generator to understanding the exterior landscaping schedule and scheduling the monthly pest service, every house has its own set of needs that will keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Keep All the Closing Documents
Even though the home closing is behind you, it is imperative to keep all your closing documents in a secure, fireproof place. You may need to revisit these documents for insurance, tax, or construction purposes. If not already provided, ask your real estate agent for an e-file of all your home purchase documents (excluding any loan information as it will come from your lender). Your agent should be able to provide you with all critical information: contract, HOA documents, Settlement Statement, Warranty Deed
Delay Major Construction Projects
You may want to jump immediately into large construction projects to make the home feel like yours. However, delaying some of these projects may help you in the long run. Learning how you live and want to live in the house can help shape your construction plans and result in a home that services both your immediate and long-term living needs.