Buying a new house is an exciting adventure to embark on. Whether you’re a newlywed starting a married life with your significant other or a retiree looking to downsize, purchasing a home is a time of new beginnings. Despite all the anticipation of owning a new home, there are some housekeeping items you should take care of before settling in.
Complete a Final Walk-Through
As eager as you may be to finally move in after weeks of paperwork and waiting, completing a final walk-through with your real estate agent and/or inspectors is beneficial. This is the time to ensure all the requested updates and repairs have been corrected prior to signing the final binding paperwork. Have your inspector ready to make any last-minute notes or perform any additional tests to confirm the state of the home. Investing just a few minutes in this process can save you thousands of dollars in expensive repairs later.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Insurance
Prior to closing on a new home, you’re often required to provide proof of homeowner’s insurance. It’s your responsibility to perform due diligence in researching insurance companies and selecting the best fit for your needs. Be sure to consider different coverage and research important terms, such as “replacement cost,” “actual cash value” and “depreciation,” to help you better understand what you’re paying for. Examine your policy thoroughly, select appropriate deductibles and make changes as necessary.
Complete Renovations Before Moving in
Do you really despise that carpet in the family room? Would you prefer to paint the walls in the bedroom? If so, it’s best to complete any renovations before moving in. It becomes much more difficult to make these changes when there are people, furniture and belongings in the way.
Switch the Utilities to Your Name
If your new home had previous residents, try changing the utilities over into your name immediately. Some utility companies require a security deposit that’ll be refunded later after making payments on time. Other companies charge additional fees if services are turned off by the previous owners and then must be turned back on. Plus, who wants to move into a dark house that has no electricity?!
Change Your Mailing Address
One of the simplest, yet often overlooked, tasks after buying a home is contacting the post office to have all mail forwarded to your new address. It can take days or weeks to get this process fully instated. You can also set up online payments for essential bills or contact companies directly to make sure no important paperwork is overlooked during your transition.
Moving into a new home can be hectic and exciting at the same time. By making a checklist of items to complete prior to settling into your new home, you can rest easy in knowing that you’re prepared for this new journey.
Source: Mikkie Mills/RISMedia’s Housecall
