You’ve gone from application through closing — let’s take a minute to talk about what comes after the papers are signed. There are still a couple of things you need to consider before you take up residence.
Before You Move In:
- Decide if you want major upgrades: Big changes, such as scraping off a popcorn ceiling, getting new appliances, or refinishing hardwood floors, are much easier to complete in an empty house.
- Start fresh: Getting a deep clean on your empty house makes it feel like you’re starting fresh, with a blank slate upon which to make new memories. Be sure to get the cabinets, fridge, and windows cleaned, too.
- Find the water shutoff: While no one expects a burst pipe or broken dishwasher seal, these things happen. Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located before you have any problems is extremely important!
- Check the breakers: Labelling the breaker box is one of those jobs you hate to do but will truly regret if you skip it. Enlist a couple of helpers to make the job go faster.
- Change the locks: The previous owner may have handed out keys to family, friends, and neighbors. For your own peace of mind, get the locks re-keyed or changed.
- Switch over your utilities: Be sure to contact the gas, electric, water, trash, and other service companies to let them know you’ve made a move. And don’t delay setting up internet installation — it can take several days to put you on the schedule.
- Update your address: Remembering to change your address with the post office and notifying your friends and family is easy, but what about your credit card companies, doctors, and employer? They need to know, too!
“For most people, buying a home is the biggest purchase they will ever make. Using a preliminary checklist can help the homebuying process be an enjoyable one. Oftentimes, it’s the small details that can cause a big headache! Work closely with your lender and realtor. They are there to help you!”
– Randy Magness, Mortgage Loan Manager, Fort Smith, AR. NMLS 835223
Bonus tip: After you’ve set up mail forwarding, any mail you receive with the yellow “address changed” sticker on it means you should notify that sender of your new location. Just by going through the mail, you can make sure nearly everyone has your new info.
Looking to get started on your home loan journey? Contact a lender today!