Shortly after buying a new home, you may feel too
overwhelmed with moving boxes and bubble wrap to focus on anything other than
getting your stuff from point A to point B. Besides ensuring a smooth moving
process, there are several other things you need to take care of as you're
getting settled into your home. While you're unpacking, make sure you handle
these post-purchase musts:
1. Fill
out a change of address form. Visit the local post office or go to the United States Postal
Service website to complete an official change of address form. For banks and
financial companies, contact them directly to let them know you've moved.
2. Transfer
your utilities and services. Change electricity, gas, water, cable, phone and Internet to your
new address. Most utilities let you sign up for service or change your existing
service online, or you can use websites that let you hook up all of your
utilities online, such as WhiteFence.com.
3. Secure
your home.
The previous homeowner's friends and family could have copies of your home's
keys, so call a locksmith and have all the outside door locks changed. Also,
change the garage door opener codes.
4. Check
safety features. Make sure the home's smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have
batteries, check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers and make sure all
safety devices are in working order.
5. Get
to know your home. Find the home's main circuit breaker and make sure it's clearly
labeled so you know which breaker turns off which area. Also, find the home's
water shutoffs.
6. Map
out the area. Take a drive or a walk around the neighborhood to find the
nearest grocery store, gas station, bank, hospital and post office.
7. Make
it your own. Create a vision for how you'd like to turn your new house into
your home. You can start by making simple repairs, painting and adding
decorative accessories. Read 5 Fast Ways to Make Your New House a
Home for ideas. Also, get a
basic set of tools and stock up on cleaning supplies.
8. Review
HOA rules. We
hope you already did this before you bought your home, but it never hurts to
refresh your memory. Homeowners associations often have very strict
rules on what changes you can and cannot make to your property, so brush up on
them to avoid fines. If your community provides trash or recycling pickup,
learn the schedule for these services.
9. Meet
the neighbors. Your neighbors can keep an eye on your home when you're away, so
introduce yourself to establish a good rapport.
10.
Relax. You've survived the home-buying process, so the hardest part is
over. Store your closing documents in a
safe place.
Take a deep breath, and enjoy the feeling of being a new homeowner!
Karen M. Riscinto PA, CDPE, RRP
Vangie Berry Signature Realty- Realtor, Branch Office Manager
Florida Lifestyle Property Management, llc - Owner/Property Manager
(Branch Office)
108 E. 3rd Ave
Mount Dora, FL 32757
352-602-7534 Fax
(Vangie Berry Signature Realty Main Office)
2605 # C Kurt Street
Eustis, Florida 32726
352-742-7355 Office
352-602-7534 Fax
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