After spending hours checking out potential homes, going through property inspections, and comparing loan rates, you’ve purchased your new home. Take some time to celebrate! Then start working on this “what do you do after you buy a house” checklist. This list will help you with the logistics of getting settled in your new home.
Have Your Utilities Transferred or Hooked Up
One of the first things on your what do you do after you buy a house checklist is to set up utilities at your new home. If your current residence is fairly close to your new property, it’s likely you can transfer your utilities to your new address. However, if you’ll need to have infrastructure installed (like adding cable or a different kind of internet) or establish a new account, this process will take a little longer. Some items you’ll need to set up include:
- Cable
- Internet
- Power
- Water
- Trash pickup
- Gas
- Recycling pickup
Set aside extra money in your budget to cover set-up fees and deposits.
Change the Locks and Security Codes
You don’t know how many people the former homeowner gave house keys to or shared their security codes with. Secure your new home by either changing the locks or having the locks rekeyed. As long as the locks are in good shape and match your style, it’s usually cheaper and easier to rekey a home’s existing locks.
Remember to change the garage code, the home’s security code, and any entry codes into your neighborhood.
Test the Safety Detectors
An essential item on any “what to do after you buy a house” checklist is to confirm that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test them out, and go ahead change the batteries so that you know they’re fresh.
Change Your Address
Now that you officially have a new home, it’s time to change your address. Some companies and entities where you’ll want to change your address include:
- Employers
- Schools
- The DMV
- Banks, lenders, and other financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Your voting registration
- Delivery and subscription services
- Churches
- Community activities
To make sure you get all your mail, even if you miss changing your address with a company or two, it’s a smart idea to contact the post office and have them forward your mail to your new address.
Paint and Deep Clean the House
Try to paint and deep clean your new home before you move your belongings in. It’s much easier to paint, wash walls, and scrub when you don’t have a lot of furniture and boxes to move.
If you’re short on time, at least try to get the main living areas in your home (like the kitchen, living room, and hallway) clean and your preferred color.
Interested in purchasing a new home? Contact us today to start your search!