You’ve just closed on your first home, and you’re looking forward to your move-in date. It is an exciting time, but you might also be thinking about all the responsibilities that come with homeownership. Until now, you may have paid rent and utilities, but there is so much more that goes into being a property owner.
This is a big milestone in your life, and you want to make sure you are ready. You might be wondering about some of the steps you can take to prepare for life as a homeowner. You want to make good financial decisions and be ready to take care of the house and property.
What should you do after buying your first home? Read on to learn about some of the steps you can take to get ready for living in your first home.
Make Sure the Home is Secure
Security should be one of your first concerns. To start, you should change the locks before you move in. You don’t know how many spare keys the previous owner may have made or given to other people. If there is a garage door opener, you will want to reprogram that as well. Gates with locks or keypads should also be addressed.
You might even want to consider enhancing home security while you are at it. Instead of going with standard locks, maybe upgrade to smart locks. Installing an alarm system or cameras might be smart for protecting your home. You should also inspect all doors and windows to make sure they are sturdy and secure.
Connect Home Utilities
This is another task you need to work on before moving in. You don’t want to move all your possessions into the home only to find that you might need to wait a few days for your utilities to get turned on. Contact the local service providers for water, electricity and gas to arrange for the utilities to be turned on. While thinking about the essentials, you might want to consider other utilities like internet, cable and phone service.
Consider a Home Warranty
Repairs are a part of being a homeowner. From clogged drains to the refrigerator breaking down, it is all your responsibility. Your homeowner’s insurance will cover things like storm damage to the roof, but it will not cover replacing your water heater or dishwasher. This is where paying for a home warranty can offer significant value.
According to an expert from Cinch Home Services (https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/home-warranty-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers), “A home warranty can help if an appliance or other home systems need repairs or replacement due to normal wear and tear. These are expenses that would not be covered under standard homeowner’s insurance, but they can be costly. It can be great for protecting your home and finances.”
Get to Know the Home
You already walked around the home and got to know it a little before buying. Now that it is your home, you should take the time to get more familiar with the structure and its systems. For example, find the breaker box, water main shutoff, water heater, furnace, and more. Inspect all these elements and get familiar with how they work. You should also collect manuals for things like air conditioners, refrigerators and dishwashers. They could come in handy if you have any issues.
Clean and Refresh
You should clean your home before you move in. Even if it was cleaned by the previous owner before the sale, it is a good idea to make sure it is done right. It will also be easier to do a deep cleaning before you move in all your furniture and personal items.
It might even be a good idea to refresh certain elements of the home or do basic DIY work. For example, you might want to have the carpets cleaned or refinish wood floors. You could also consider a new coat of paint for different areas of the home. Projects like refinishing the front door or kitchen cabinets might also be beneficial.
Develop a Maintenance Plan
One of the best ways to protect your home is to perform routine home maintenance. To make sure it gets done, you should create a schedule for performing different tasks. It can include things like changing the filter on your furnace, cleaning the gutters, draining the water heater, testing smoke detectors, and more.
Along with that, you should start accumulating the basic tools and equipment every home should have. For example, you should have a hammer, a set of screwdrivers and wrenches. You should also put a tape measure, flashlight and step stool on your list. If you plan to cut your own grass, you will need a lawnmower. If you live somewhere cold, you should get a snow shovel. It is also smart to keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher around the house.
Moving into your first house can be hectic. It is easy to overlook small details that might be important later. With this list, you can prepare yourself better for your first experience as a homeowner.
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