So, You Just Bought a Home... Now What?
CONGRATULATIONS first of all! Being a new homeowner is definitely something to be proud of. Now, I am going to give you a few things to do that might get overlooked with all the excitement.
1. Secure your home.
This could mean changing the locks, changing passwords and combos, or resetting the alarm system and other electronic systems that manage the household. Hopefully by closing, you obtained instructions or manuals for anything being left in the home that will need a reset. Some alarm systems may require a phone call to the company to transfer service so a password reset can happen.
2. Turn on utilities.
The Texas Realtor's® seller's disclosure should have the current seller's utility information on the back page for easier transfer into your name and switching on of service. If you didn't get that information there, ask their agent to forward the info before closing. Utilities need to be scheduled for an agreed day between both parties. Having this worked out ahead of time should keep you from moving in with no water or electricity on move in day. Be ready for deposits and/or transfer fees.
3. Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
Always make sure these are working, and if not, replace with fresh batteries if needed. Simple and cheap thing to mark off your to-do list that will help to keep your family safer.
4. Locate your main shut offs.
It is never a bad idea to know where your electrical and water shut offs are. You definitely don't want to be scrambling in the event one needs to be turned off quickly.
5. Update everything with your new address.
You will need to get your driver's license, bills, banks, and everything else updated with your new address. Doing a change of address at the post office should also be done soon, so you don't miss out on any important mail.
6. Property exemptions.
In Texas, a new property owner can apply for the homestead exemption as soon as they update their driver's license with the new address and have their recorded closing docs back. Usually within a couple weeks this can be taken care of. Applying for any eligible exemptions is very important to do because if you let them expire, your property taxes are likely to go up significantly. If you're not sure when the cut-off date is for your area, call your local appraisal district office and ask, so you don't miss their deadline. Take recorded docs, your driver's license, and anything else your local appraisal district requires with you and get that application turned in!
7. Check your registrations.
This will really come into play on your voter registration and car registration. If you moved into a different state, car registration would need to be taken care of by the due date for that state in order to avoid any penalties. Getting your voter registration done quickly will also eliminate the possibility of not having it done in time to vote for any upcoming elections.
8. Look back at your home inspection report.
If you had a whole home inspection done before you purchased, it is always a good idea to look back and see what wasn't repaired or fixed already that shown up on your report. Some things are probably small and not a priority to get done soon, but if there were any things found that will only get worse or could potentially be a safety or health hazard, those should be taken care of as soon as possible.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but just a few things I like to remind buyers about. Hopefully this helps you move forward as a brand-new homeowner with confidence that some of those important things "to-do" didn't fall between the cracks. Congratulations again - this is an exciting time!
Hi there! I am the broker and owner of Country Roots Realty, and love helping guide buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs here in the "Pineywoods" of East Texas.
