Congratulations! After the exhausting and stressful process, you finally have those keys to your new home. It probably feels like you’ve reached the end of a tiring journey. However, there’s still a lot to do before you can peacefully settle into your new home.
Instead of doing everything at once, organize your tasks in a simple, understandable way. Managing a house for sale is a meticulous task that requires care and attention. You don’t want to rush the process, causing oversights or impulsive decisions. Instead, take it easy. Organize a checklist of all things you need to do. Then, tackle each responsibility at a leisurely pace.
Here are eight different things to do after closing a house:
1. Change all your locks to the house
No matter how close you are to the previous owner, ensure to change all the current locks for maximum confidentiality. Sometimes, maybe the owner before the most-previous owner had duplicate keys making the situation even worse. Purchase new locks and hire a reputable locksmith to install and change them, not forgetting the door codes with keypads (if any).
2. Clean and paint the house
The former owner might have left some cracks that must be dealt with before moving into your new house. Take time to clean the house, mop the floors, clean the fixtures, and vacuum the carpets (if any) to your satisfaction. A reputable cleaning service company delivers more excellent results as it has been in the field for a long time.
Pest control companies also come in handy, especially if you’re in a pest-vulnerable area. Some realtors offer pest control and cleaning services as part of the buying price; ensure you ask your realtor if they lie in this category.
Maybe the current interior and exterior paint colours aren’t your favourites; this is the perfect time to refresh them with the cherished colours your heart desires. You can eliminate all the furniture to get the job done conveniently. Again, going for professional designers saves you extra time to handle other issues concerning your new home.
3. Test detectors and do an HVAC servicing
Checking the currently installed detectors is perhaps the easiest, although most overlooked, thing after closing a house. This is to ensure that the carbon monoxide and smoke testers are functioning well for you and your family’s safety. If the testers operate with batteries, ensure to fit new ones as you don’t know how long ago the current ones were replaced.
After settling in your new home, you might require air-conditioning and heating systems and are probably unsure how regularly the former owner had them serviced or cleaned. For the sake of your peace of mind, check the condition of the HVAC systems to reduce the risk of failure. Some systems may need to be replaced; although costly, replacement improves their quality and efficiency.
4. Check the pipes and fireplace
Suddenly realizing a leaking pipe after you’ve fully settled into your new home can be distressing. It’s even worse if you don’t know where the shut valves are located. Go ahead and look out for leakages or worn-out pipes for replacement. Make sure to locate the shut valves and let the appropriate people know about them too.
If your new home owns a fireplace, ensure to get it inspected by an expert for any blockages in the chimney or flue. Blockages could hinder dangerous smoke and gases from exiting the house, which is risky for you and your family.
5. Make copies of the closing documents and store them safely
Purchasing a house comes with many documents that are as important as the keys. You can make copies of all the documents that were used during the purchase of your house. Technology allows you to back up documents in your google account for easy retrieval and security. Keeping copies of closing documents is vital in the case of a ‘sour deal’ or filing for relevant tax deductions.
Some crucial closing documents include a copy of the original closing disclosures, purchase agreement, home inspection report, buyer’s agent agreement, property deed, payment receipts, emergency contacts, and other relevant documents.
6. Update your driving license and contact information
Some countries may require updating your driving license address within fifteen days of moving. You might also require a practical road or oral test to evaluate your fitness with your new estate. Besides the driving license, there are other few parties obligated to your new contact information update.
They include bank, utility, insurance, and credit card companies, your doctor’s and other medical providers, tax agencies, your employer, companies you partner with, and lastly, your friends and family.
7. Meet the neighbours
You surely want to kick off well with your new neighbours. A good relationship with your neighbours means satisfaction and peaceful existence on the estate. Take your time to say hello to them whenever you meet them, introducing yourself and your family. This might be the genesis of long-lasting connections you never imagined.
8. Settle in your new house
Being a homeowner is exciting after days of hard work, but it doesn’t end after closing. The above tips are essential and will enhance your overall house buying experience. Ensure you’ve completed these steps soon after closing to avoid last-minute issues. Be sure to deal with a reputable realtor for the safety of your money.
