After Closing: What's Next?

Congratulations!  You recently closed on your home.
So…what do you do next?

Buying a home can be a chaotic process, which is all the more reason to celebrate when you’re finally holding the keys to your new home. Just because the paperwork is done, doesn’t mean there is still more to do!  

If you are just settling in or have been in your new home a little longer, we know that you have had a laundry list of tasks to complete and things that close your home. To help settle into your home a little faster, here’s a list of 13 things to do after the close.

Make Copies of Documents
When you purchase a home or sell a home there are a lot of documents that will be signed and executed.  Several documents that you receive may be needed in the future for a variety of reasons.  

After closing,  it’s important that you get copies of all documents from the buying or selling process as well as the closing.  Make sure that you store all documents in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe, private filing cabinet or a safety deposit box at a bank.

Complete A Deep Clean
Real estate contracts request that homes are in “broom clean” condition upon closing.  After closing on your new home, a deep cleaning is suggested! In some cases, a professional company may be hired to deep clean but if you prefer to to do it yourself here are some tasks to complete: 

Wash all windows, inside and outside
Steam clean carpeting
Wash any drapes or valances that were included
Clean included appliances
Clean and polish wood flooring
Scrub tile grout

Change Your Address Information
Moving can be stressful, so don’t add to that stress by forgetting to change your address information. Contact the following people and companies to streamline the moving process:

Insurance companies
Your bank
Tax agencies
Utility companies
Post Office
Credit card providers
The DMV
Your employer
Subscription services
Loan providers
Other service providers, such as doctors, accountants, etc.
Your friends and family

Change & Update Keys and Keypads
Changing the locks on a new home is highly recommended for security purposes. It’s always good practice that all keys and garage door openers be delivered to the buyer at closing; however, they may have forgotten about keys that they lost or lent to someone.

Don’t forget the keypads!  Most home sellers will leave instruction guides on how to change the electronic keypad code, if not you can find most online!

Plan Home Maintenance
Being a homeowner comes with maintenance tasks. Whether you are planning on completing the maintenance yourself or plan on hiring a professional, it’s important to start a home maintenance list.  Don’t make it too complicated, split up tasks by month or season!  By keeping up with home maintenance, you can greatly reduce the number of huge repairs and expenses that come with deferred maintenance.

Need some ideas?  Find our Home Maintenance Checklist HERE.

Change Your Address Information
Moving can be stressful, so don’t add to that stress by forgetting to change your address information. Contact the following people and companies to streamline the moving process:

Insurance companies
Your bank
Tax agencies
Utility companies
The post office
Credit card providers
The DMV
Your employer
Subscription services
Loan providers
Other service providers, such as doctors, accountants, etc.
Your friends and family

Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Some maintenance tasks, such as testing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, can’t wait. You, your family’s, and your friends’ safety all depend on functional detectors, make sure that you check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Do a Water Heater Check
After closing on your home, you will want to check the water heater temperature and water pressure in your new home! 

Everyone prefers their own temperature of water and also pressure, so make sure you evaluate these items after closing.  Most water heaters have dials where you can adjust the temperature of the water.  Here is a great guide that provides some tips for adjusting water heater temperatures.  It’s also recommended that once a year you drain your water tank to get rid of collected sediment in the bottom of the tank.

There are a few different ways to adjust water pressure in a home.  One of the most common ways to adjust water pressure is by adjusting the water pressure reducing valve.  The water pressure reducing valve is generally found near the water main coming into a home near the main shutoff. Here are some great tips for adjusting the water pressure.

Check the HVAC Systems
One of the most important reasons to have an inspection when buying a home is so that the HVAC systems can be looked at.  Assuming that the HVAC systems check out after an inspection, there are still a couple tasks that buyers should complete after closing on a new home.

It’s possible a buyer will request a seller have the HVAC serviced prior to closing, but if not, one of the first tasks to complete after closing is to have the HVAC serviced by a professional.  The cleaning of a furnace and central air conditioning unit is recommended every year and can help prolong the life of them.

Another task to complete after closing on a new home is to make sure the filter is new in the HVAC system.  Old and dirty furnace filters can dramatically impact the efficiency of an HVAC system, so replacing them regularly is recommended.

Research All Tax Deductions & Discounts

Many homeowners don’t realize that there are some great tax deductions for home owners.  After closing on a new home, it’s important to explore all of the tax deductions and discounts that are available in your area, city, and state. An experienced accountant can help a buyer understand any deductions, discounts, or implications of owning a home.

Contact the New School District
If you have children and you’ve moved into a new school district, you’ll need to let the new district know. This is especially important to do shortly after closing if you plan to move to your new home in the middle of the school year. Contact the school district for your new neighborhood and keep in mind that different districts will have different processes for transferring new students into their district.

Prepare for Your First Mortgage Payment
Especially if you’ve never owned a home before, you may not be in the habit of paying a mortgage each month. But it’s important—for obvious reasons—to pay your mortgage payment on time and in full. Make sure you know when your first payment is and that you set aside enough money to cover it.

Depending on when you closed your home purchase transaction, the amount of your first mortgage payment may differ significantly. These payments, interest, and dates, are broken down in your closing disclosure

Meet the Neighbors
With all the new sights, sounds, and routines of moving into a new home, getting to know your new neighbors can help you build a sense of familiarity with your new surroundings. They’re sure to be curious, so when you see your neighbors, wave and say hello. It never hurts to have a good relationship with the people you’ll be sharing a neighborhood with.

If you ever have any questions, concerns or need assistance in finding services or resources -  always remember that we are still here to help YOU, your family and your friends!!