What to Do After Closing on a Home: A New Homeowner Checklist

Congratulations on closing on your new home! Once you’ve celebrated, it’s time to tackle a few important tasks. Here’s your new homeowner checklist, filled with essential steps to take after closing on a home.

From setting up utilities to ensuring home security, these tips of what to do after closing on a home will help you settle in smoothly.

So before you start planning your dream renovations to increase your home value, learn the first steps to take as homeowners.

What to Do After Closing on a Home

Update Your Address and Transfer Utilities

One of the first steps to take after closing on a home is updating your address and transferring utilities. This not only makes your move easier but ensures essential services are up and running when you arrive (have you ever spent a few days without water hooked up? It’s brutal).

Registering your new home address: Update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, and any other important contacts. This ensures mail gets to you on time and helps prevent identity theft. Also set up mail forwarding for your old address in case you missed any updates!
Setting up utilities after home purchase: Contact utility providers to transfer or set up services like water, gas, electricity, and internet. If you’re moving to a new area, research local utility companies ahead of time to avoid interruptions.

Change the Locks and Enhance Security

Changing locks after home purchase is an important safety measure for new homeowners. It gives you control over who has access to your home and allows you to enhance overall security.

Changing locks in your new house: Hire a locksmith or rekey the locks yourself to ensure no one else has access to your new property.
Home security setup: Consider installing a security system, setting up outdoor lighting, and using smart locks for added peace of mind.

Update Your Homeowners Insurance

After buying a house, it’s time to update your homeowners insurance policy to reflect any changes and ensure you have adequate coverage for your property and belongings.

Reviewing your policy: Go over the details of your insurance policy to make sure it covers your new home and any valuable belongings.
Home warranty registration: Sometimes, you get a home warranty through your sale. If yours does, make sure to register it and understand what’s covered in case of any unexpected repairs.

Review Important Post-Closing Paperwork

There’s still some paperwork to handle even after the sale is final. Organize these documents to ensure you’re prepared for any future needs.

Post-closing paperwork: Store your mortgage documents, deed, inspection reports, and title insurance in a safe place. Consider scanning digital copies as well.
Home warranty registration: If you have a home warranty, make sure it’s registered and understand how to use it for repairs.

Inspect and Plan for Maintenance

Homeownership comes with responsibilities, and post-closing is the perfect time to create a homeowner maintenance guide. These post-closing home maintenance tips will help you protect your investment.

Check important systems: Inspect plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems to catch any potential issues early. Schedule regular maintenance to keep these systems in top shape (for example with HVAC, it’s a good idea to have it serviced in both spring and summer).
Make a maintenance calendar: Note tasks like changing air filters, cleaning gutters, and inspecting the roof. A seasonal calendar will help you stay on top of these duties.

Settle In With a Moving-In Checklist

Moving in is exciting but can feel overwhelming. A moving-in checklist can help you stay organized and make your new house feel like home.

Unpack essentials first: Focus on setting up key areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Plan future improvements: Make a list of small updates and any big renovations you might want down the road. Starting with a plan will make it easier to budget and prioritize.

FAQ: Common Questions After Closing on a Home

Q: What’s the first thing I should do after closing on a house?
A: One of the first things to do after buying a house is updating your address and transferring utilities. This ensures that your mail and essential services are ready for your move-in day.

Q: Why is changing locks important after buying a new house?
A: Changing locks after home purchase is a critical security step. It ensures that only you and those you trust have access to your property.

Q: Do I need to update my homeowners insurance after closing?
A: Yes! Updating homeowners insurance after closing makes sure your coverage aligns with your new home’s specific needs and any valuable items you’ve brought along.

Q: What are some essential post-closing home maintenance tips?
A: Create a maintenance calendar for tasks like checking HVAC filters, inspecting plumbing, and cleaning gutters. Regular upkeep will help you avoid bigger issues down the road.

Q: Should I register my home warranty after moving in?
A: Yes, if you have a home warranty, registering it ensures you’re prepared to handle any covered repairs quickly. It’s also a good idea to review what’s covered.

By following this checklist, you can settle into your new home smoothly and confidently tackle each of your responsibilities as a homeowner. Happy homeownership!

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