Real Estate

10 Things You Need to Do After Buying a Home

Owning a home is a wonderful achievement. You need to take care of it.

There are a few things you need to do as soon as you buy a home, some as soon as you or your realtor or attorney close on the house.

You want to make sure everything is completely transferred over to you. It should be your name on the title from the name of the seller and the mortgage company or the bank.

Keep reading, and we’ll discuss the ten things you need to do after buying a home.

1. Change the Locks

One of the first things you need to do after buying a new home is to change the locks. You never know who might have access to the keys, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Hire a locksmith to replace all the locks on your doors. Start with the front door, back door, and any other doors that lead outside. This will ensure that you and your family are the only ones with access to your new home.

You may also want to install automatic locks that you and your family have access to. You may link up a security system as well. This will ensure your safety and security in your new home.

2. Deep Clean the Home

Before you start moving in, make sure to deep clean your new home. Even if the previous owners left it spotless, it’s a good idea to give it a thorough clean before you start putting your things away.

Procuring the necessary cleaning supplies is the first step. Get a mop, broom, sponges, and a vacuum cleaner. After that, clean every single surface of the house, from the floors to the walls to furniture, counters, and windows. Make sure there is no dirt or dust.

Pay special attention to areas that get neglected. Check behind and under furniture, curtains, and baseboards. Don’t forget to dust the ceiling fans and light fixtures as well. Vacuuming can help with getting dust and dirt lying around.

Cleaning out the refrigerator, cupboards, and closets is also important. Given enough time and effort, deep cleaning should provide a new home with a sparkly and fresh start.

3. Change Your Address

Once you’ve moved in, don’t forget to change your address. You’ll need to update your address with the post office, your bank, and your credit card companies. Do this for any other important accounts.

This will ensure that you continue to receive important mail and that your bills don’t get lost in the mail. It’s also a good idea to let your friends and family know your new address, so they can send you a housewarming gift!

4. Check for Asbestos

If your new home was initially built before 1980, there’s a chance that it may contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials. It was in the insulation and ceiling tiles before it was completely banned due to health concerns.

If your home does contain asbestos, it’s important to have it removed as soon as possible. Get asbestos testing services for your new home. Then, hire a professional asbestos removal company to test for asbestos and remove it if necessary.

5. Make Necessary Repairs and Adjustments

It is important to make the necessary repairs and adjustments. Inspect the overall condition of the house. Pay attention to safety hazards or potential damage. Check for dampness or fungus and any structural damage.

Repair or replace any faulty wiring and check the water pressure in the house. Also, ensure that the house is properly insulated and sealed from outside weather conditions.

Check the locks and door handles to ensure that they are all working properly. Check out any appliances in the house. Check the air conditioners, air purifiers, as well as washers and dryers. It is important to have them checked and serviced as soon as possible.

Additionally, it is a good idea to inspect the windows of the house and make sure that they are airtight. Finally, make sure to keep a list of all necessary repairs and adjustments that were made.

Prioritize the repairs based on their importance, and tackle them one at a time. This will help you maintain your home and prevent any further damage from occurring.

6. Get to Know Everything About Your Home

After buying a home, it is important to get to know everything about it. This includes all the systems and appliances that make up the home. It is important to know exactly which doors, windows, appliances, and lighting systems work, and which ones don’t.

Additionally, ensure that everything included in the sale is functioning properly, such as the locks, thermostat, smoke detectors, and water heater. It is also important to make sure that there is no water leakage and that the roof is in good condition.

Once you’ve checked all of the systems and appliances, you’ll need to be familiar with the HVAC system to make sure it is functioning properly.

Lastly, become familiar with local neighborhood regulations and laws, especially when it comes to trash pickup, snow removal, and other common areas. Doing all of these things will ensure that you and your new home are in safe and secure condition. This will help you in case of an emergency and will also make it easier to make any repairs or upgrades in the future.

7. Make a Home Maintenance Schedule

An important step to complete once you have bought a home is to develop a home maintenance schedule. This written schedule should include tasks that need to be done monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually.

It is important you include tasks such as replacing air filters, checking smoke alarm batteries, checking and cleaning gutters, and inspecting the roof for any damage or need for repair. If you plan ahead, it can help save you money and frustration when it comes to any issues that arise down the road.

Additionally, you should be checking the hot water and heating systems, checking all doors and windows for drafts and insulation, and reviewing interior and exterior paint and siding for any potential replacements.

Taking the time and making the effort to create a home maintenance schedule will help to ensure you know what needs to be taken care of in order to best protect your investment in your new home.

To keep your new home in good condition, it’s important to make a home maintenance schedule. Create a comprehensive schedule. By doing so, you’ll be able to stay on top of these tasks and prevent any major repairs from becoming necessary.

8. Walk Around and Meet Your New Neighbors

One of the most important things to do after buying a home is to walk around and meet your new neighbors. Good relationships with your neighbors can make living in your home more enjoyable. So, it’s important to take the time to introduce yourself.

Start by finding out who lives on either side of your house. Then, knock on their door or send an email or letter introducing yourself and expressing your desire to be a friendly neighbor.

If you’re feeling especially brave, host a neighborhood barbecue at your house or join a local community group to get to know more people in the area. Your neighbors may even have helpful tips that can make your life easier as a homeowner.

Getting to know your neighbors is a great way to feel more at home in your new community. Take the time to introduce yourself and get to know the people who live around you. They may have helpful tips about the neighborhood or may even become good friends.

9. Purchase Homeowners’ Insurance

Homeowners insurance is essential for protecting your new home. It provides coverage for damage caused by natural disasters, theft, fire, and other unexpected events.

Shop around for the best policy and make sure you read the fine print. Some policies may not cover certain types of damage, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.

10. Plan for Upgrades and Renovations

Finally, start thinking about any upgrades or renovations you may want to make to your new home. This could include anything from a fresh coat of paint to a full kitchen renovation. Make a list of the projects you want to tackle and start prioritizing them. This will help you budget for the upgrades and make your new home feel even more like your own.

Follow These Tips After Buying Your New Home

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition into your new space. From changing the locks to planning for upgrades and renovations, these ten things will help you make your new house feel like home. First, be sure that the title is completely transferred to your name!

Remember to take the time to enjoy your new home and all the possibilities it holds.

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