Must Do’s Immediately After Closing on Your New Home

Congratulations you just closed on your new home and you are officially a homeowner! Moving in, changing your mailing address, and turning on the utilities is probably at the top of your list. However, there are a lot of other things you should do immediately after closing on your new home that most new homeowners oftentimes overlook.

So before you start unpacking your boxes and settling in, you’ll want to make sure to do these 7 things.

Change Locks

You don’t know who has a key to your new home. So it’s imperative you change the locks immediately after closing. Even if you don’t plan on moving in right away changing the locks should be your number one priority. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. Whether you decide to replace the locks completely or have all the locks rekeyed is up to you, but just make sure to change all of the locks.

Check Windows and Doors

Odds are you had a home inspection, so you’ll know whether or not the windows and doors are working. However, you’ll still want to double-check to make sure they are in working order and properly lock. In some cases, you may want to add additional locks or security bars on the doors and windows.

Replace Smoke Detectors or Batteries

Before spending a single night in your new home you’ll want to make sure you have working smoke detectors.

Your new home most likely came equipped with smoke detectors, but you need to make sure they work. Sometimes you may just need to replace the batteries while other times you’ll need to replace the entire smoke detector.

In addition to making sure the smoke detectors work, you’ll also want to make a note to change the batteries every year. This is something that most homeowners forget to do, so mark your calendar and set a reminder to do so.

Escape Route

In case of an emergency make sure your family has escape routes, which goes back to making sure all of the doors and windows properly work. This may seem like common sense for some. However, when children are in a brand-new space they may panic and not know what to do in the event of an emergency.

So you’ll want to do actual fire drills, just as you did growing up in school. This way the entire family is prepared, they know how to evacuate and where to go.

Examine Driveways and Walkways

Your home inspector probably noted any trip hazards found, but it’s always a good idea to double-check and make sure nothing has changed since the inspection. The last thing you want is for someone to trip over a raised paver in the driveway, fall down, and hurt themselves.

Handrails

If you have any handrails inside or outside make sure they are secure to avoid any potential disasters. Handrails are there for safety and if they aren’t properly secured they can cause an accident.

Double Check Inspection Report

Even if you attended your home inspection and read through the complete report you should go back through it once you close and make any necessary repairs. Oftentimes when a new homeowner moves in these “minor” repairs tend to slip their mind and what might be minor can turn into major issues if they’re not taken care of.

Final Thoughts

Closing on your new home will be very exciting, but it can also be extremely overwhelming and stressful too. So in order to alleviate any unnecessary stress it’s best to come up with a “to-do list.” By doing so you won’t be trying to remember what you have to do nor will you forget to do something altogether.

Additional Real Estate Advice from Top Professionals

What not to do after closing on a house? After closing on a house, there are several things you should avoid doing. If you are new to homeownership it’s best not to make any major financial changes that could impact your financial stability. Oftentimes, not every new homeowner is prepared for the actual expense of owning a home.

Additionally, resist the temptation to immediately make extensive renovations or remodeling projects without proper planning and budgeting. It’s also important to refrain from neglecting regular home maintenance or ignoring any issues that may arise, as prompt attention can help prevent more significant problems down the line.

How soon after closing on a house can I move in?  How soon you can move into your new house after closing depends on a few factors, including the terms of your contract. In some cases, you may be able to move in immediately after closing if the sale is closed and funded. However, some buyers will agree to post-occupancy and allow the seller to stay in the property after closing for a specified time period.

How soon after closing can I buy furniture?  You can buy new furniture immediately after closing on a new house. The keyword is “after” because you should never buy furniture before closing for a few reasons. One, what happens if the deal falls apart what are you going to do? Can the furniture be returned? Do you have the space to store it? How much is it going to cost to move? Two, if you’re obtaining a mortgage it can negatively impact your mortgage approval.

So once you close on your new home you can buy new furniture but before doing so make sure to have a clear understanding of the layout and dimensions of the rooms in your new home to ensure that the furniture you buy fits appropriately. Taking measurements or having a floor plan can help make an informed decision.

Secondly, it’s beneficial to assess your budget and prioritize your purchases accordingly. Moving into a new home can involve various expenses, so it’s important to manage your finances wisely.

What to do after closing on a new construction home?  After closing on a new construction home, there are several important steps to take. First, thoroughly inspect the property to ensure that everything is working and the finishes are correct. Familiarize yourself with the operation and maintenance manuals for the home’s systems and appliances.

Additionally, review and understand the warranty coverage provided by the builder and understand the process for reporting any issues or making warranty claims. Lastly, it’s a good idea to start organizing and planning your move, including scheduling movers, transferring utilities, updating your homeowner’s insurance, and changing your address.

Are you preparing for a cross-country move? If so there will be a lot more planning involved. Unless you plan on leaving your belongings behind you’ll have to find a way to transport all of your belongings, including your vehicles and your family.

Moving containers VS moving trucks, will one of these options work for you?  Choosing between moving containers and moving trucks depends on your specific needs and preferences. Moving containers, such as those provided by companies like PODS or U-Haul U-Box, offer convenience and flexibility. You can load and unload your belongings at your own pace, and the container is transported to your new location. This option is suitable if you require temporary storage or need flexibility in your moving timeline.

On the other hand, moving trucks, typically rented from companies like U-Haul or Budget, are ideal for those who prefer a more hands-on approach. You can load your belongings onto the truck and drive it to your new location. This option works well if you have a lot of items to move or if you prefer direct control over the transportation process. You’ll want to assess your moving needs, budget, and timeline to determine which option will work best for you.

What to do after house settlement? The very first thing you should do after closing on a home is change the locks. Depending on the number of exterior locks it shouldn’t take that long or cost too much money. You can replace the lock entirely or have the locks rekeyed. Either way, it should be done immediately because you don’t know who has the keys to your new home. In addition, to the previous owner, contractors, cleaners, neighbors, family, and friends may still have a key.

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About the Author

Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “Must Do’s Immediately After Closing on Your New Home”

Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.

Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.

Must Do’s Immediately After Closing on Your New Home