Hey there, new homeowner! First off, huge congrats on closing on your new place! That’s such an exciting milestone. While you’re probably itching to start unpacking boxes, changing your address, and getting those utilities turned on, there are a few other super important things that many new homeowners forget about in all the excitement.
Before you start arranging furniture and hanging pictures, let’s chat about 7 crucial things you should tackle right away.
Swap Out Those Locks ASAP
Here’s the thing – you have no clue who might have keys to your new place. Previous owners, their friends, relatives, contractors… who knows? That’s why changing your locks should be priority number one, even if you’re not moving in right away.
You’ll sleep so much better knowing that you and your family are the only ones with access to your home. Whether you decide to completely replace the locks or just have them rekeyed is totally up to you – just make sure you get it done for every exterior door!
Double-Check All Windows and Doors
Sure, you probably had a home inspection that checked if windows and doors were working properly. But it’s still worth giving everything a once-over yourself to make sure everything opens, closes, and locks the way it should.
In some cases, you might want to beef up security with additional locks or security bars. Better safe than sorry, right?
Make Sure Those Smoke Detectors Actually Work
This is non-negotiable – before spending even one night in your new home, you need working smoke detectors.
Your home likely came with smoke detectors already installed, but do they actually work? Sometimes you just need fresh batteries, other times you might need to replace the whole unit.
Pro tip: Set a yearly reminder to change those batteries! It’s one of those things almost everyone forgets to do, but it could literally save your life.
Plan Your Emergency Escape Routes
I know this sounds a bit dramatic, but having clear escape routes in case of emergency is super important, especially if you have kids. In a new space, people (especially children) can panic during emergencies and not know which way to go.
Try running actual fire drills, just like you did back in school. Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely and where to meet up outside. It might feel silly, but it’s so worth it for peace of mind.
Check Out Your Driveways and Walkways
Your home inspector probably noted any trip hazards, but things can change, and it’s always good to do your own inspection. The last thing you want is someone tripping over a raised paver in the driveway and getting hurt.
Take a walk around the property and make note of any potential hazards that need fixing. Your future guests (and your homeowner’s insurance) will thank you!
Test All Those Handrails
If you’ve got handrails inside or outside your home, give them a good tug to make sure they’re secure. Handrails are there for safety, but they can actually cause accidents if they’re wobbly or not properly attached.
This is especially important if you have elderly family members or small children who might be relying on those rails for support.
Take Another Look at That Inspection Report
Even if you were super attentive during the home inspection and read through the whole report, it’s worth reviewing it again now that you own the place. Those “minor” repairs that were noted can easily slip your mind in all the excitement of moving.
The thing is, what starts as a small issue can turn into a major headache if left unaddressed. Set aside some time to go through the report and make a plan for tackling those repairs.
Final Thoughts
Closing on your new home is incredibly exciting, but it can also be pretty overwhelming. Creating a solid to-do list will help you stay organized and make sure nothing important falls through the cracks.
Remember, these first steps are all about making your new house safe and secure so you can focus on the fun part – turning it into your dream home!
Bonus Tips From Your Austin Texas Real Estate Agent
What NOT to Do After Closing
After getting those keys, try to avoid making any major financial changes that could mess with your stability. Many first-time homeowners aren’t fully prepared for all the expenses that come with owning a home.
Also, resist the urge to dive into massive renovation projects without proper planning and budgeting. And whatever you do, don’t ignore regular maintenance or small issues that pop up – dealing with them promptly will save you from bigger headaches down the road.
When Can You Actually Move In?
How quickly you can move in after closing depends on your specific contract. In most cases, you can move in right after closing if everything is funded and finalized. But sometimes sellers negotiate to stay in the property for a bit longer after closing (called post-occupancy).
Make sure you’re clear on the exact timeline before you schedule movers or start hauling boxes!
When Should You Buy New Furniture?
Feel free to buy new furniture immediately AFTER closing – but never before! If your deal falls apart and you’ve already bought furniture, you could be stuck with pieces that don’t fit in your current place, plus potential return fees or storage costs.
Plus, if you’re getting a mortgage, making big purchases before closing could actually mess with your loan approval.
Once you do close, make sure to measure your rooms carefully before buying anything. And be mindful of your budget – moving comes with lots of unexpected expenses, so prioritize your purchases wisely.
Special Tips for New Construction Homes
If you’ve closed on a brand-new construction home, take time to thoroughly inspect everything to make sure it’s all working properly and the finishes are what you expected.
Familiarize yourself with all the manuals for your new systems and appliances, and make sure you understand the builder’s warranty coverage and how to make claims if needed.
Whether you’re moving across town or planning a cross-country move, taking these steps right after closing will help ensure your transition to your new home is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Happy homeowning!
