Even after you’ve found your dream home and signed the papers, there are a few remaining steps new homeowners need to take. At Galaxy Title & Escrow, we’re excited to help you close on a property in Florida! We can also help you take care of some loose ends before officially moving into your new home. Check out all our real estate resources for new homeowners so you know what to expect when buying a home, closing, and moving into your new place!
What Should You Do When You First Move In?
As a new homeowner, the initial steps you take upon moving into your new residence can set the foundation for a smooth transition and a secure living environment. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of essential tasks to consider:
Begin by contacting utility providers to ensure the seamless activation of water, electricity, gas, and internet services. Confirm the dates of activation to avoid any disruptions in your daily routine. If applicable, arrange for the transfer of utilities from the previous homeowner’s name to yours. This ensures a seamless continuation of services.
Verify that your homeowner’s insurance policy is in place and offers adequate coverage for your new property. If any adjustments are needed, reach out to your insurance provider to make necessary updates.
For peace of mind, consider changing the locks on all entry doors. This ensures that you have control over who has access to your property. Additionally, review the security features of your new home, such as alarm systems or surveillance cameras, and ensure they are operational.
Before unpacking, take the opportunity to thoroughly clean your new home. Dust surfaces, clean windows, and sanitize areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This will help create a fresh and welcoming environment.
Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functional. Replace batteries if needed and familiarize yourself with their operation.
Notify relevant parties of your change in address, including the post office, banks, employers, and any subscriptions or memberships.
Inspect and test major appliances like the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and heating/cooling systems. Address any maintenance or repairs promptly.
If your new property includes outdoor spaces, assess the condition of the garden and lawn. Make any necessary preparations for maintenance and landscaping.
Familiarize yourself with essential local services such as medical facilities, emergency services, and nearby convenience stores.
Take inventory of the fixtures and appliances that are included with the property, such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, and built-in appliances.
Consider scheduling a pest control inspection to ensure that your new home is free of any unwanted visitors. Creatures such as raccoons or insects can cause expensive damage to your new home.
As you unpack, plan, and organize storage spaces efficiently to create an organized living environment from the start.
Begin planning a regular home maintenance schedule, including HVAC filter replacement, gutter cleaning, and lawn care.
Taking these steps will not only help you settle into your new home smoothly but also establish a sense of security and well-being in your new living space.
What Do You Need For a New Home?
When transitioning into a new home, there’s a range of essential items and important requirements that homeowners should consider to ensure a comfortable and well-functioning living environment. First and foremost, homeowners need legal documentation such as the property title, which establishes ownership rights and responsibilities. Galaxy Title and Escrow offer title insurance in Florida. Additionally, homeowners should have homeowners insurance in place to protect against unforeseen events.
You will also need practical and comfortable items inside of the home such as furniture, cooking ware, and fixtures. It’s also important to install safety devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Depending on where you move, you may need new lawn care items or tools. It’s a good idea for homeowners to have a toolbox with basic tools for small repairs in the home.
What NOT To Do After Closing on a New Home
When your offer on a home is accepted, you move into the closing stage of buying a house. There are still important steps at this stage and common mistakes you can avoid by reviewing this checklist.
- Don’t Make Major Financial Changes: Avoid making significant financial changes such as opening new credit lines, making large purchases, or changing jobs. Lenders often re-evaluate your financial situation before closing, and any changes could affect your mortgage approval.
- Don’t Neglect the Final Walk-Through: Before closing, conduct a final walk-through of the property to ensure it’s in the same condition as when you made the offer. If you discover issues, address them with the seller before closing.
- Don’t Skip a Thorough Inspection: If you didn’t have a comprehensive home inspection before closing, consider scheduling one shortly after moving in. It helps identify any potential issues that might have been missed.
- Don’t Overspend Immediately: While it’s tempting to start decorating and furnishing your new home right away, avoid overspending on non-essential items. Create a budget and prioritize necessary purchases first.
- Don’t Ignore Maintenance Tasks: Address any immediate maintenance needs promptly. Delaying repairs could lead to more extensive and expensive issues down the line.
- Don’t Forget to Update Important Documents: Update your official documents, including your driver’s license, voter registration, and postal address, to reflect your new address.
Galaxy Title & Escrow Can Help
Galaxy Title & Escrow in South Florida is there for you whether you’re buying or selling your home. Our resources, available to you on our website, as well as our experts on the team, can help answer any question you have about real estate. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you!
Mitchell has been a licensed attorney since 2014 and has practiced in both the transactional and litigation fields of law. His experience allows him to approach every transaction with a depth of knowledge and practical experience most attorneys do not possess. Mitchell prides himself on providing top notch service to his clients.