After Closing: A Top 10 New Homeowner Checklist

Your homeownership journey doesn’t end with closing. Really, it’s just the beginning! You may be eager to move in, but before you start to unpack boxes, here’s a list of 10 things you’ll want to do first. 

1. Designate a space to save your closing packet. Make sure you keep all your closing documents together and file them away for safekeeping. Your closing packet should include the closing disclosure, promissory note, mortgage and deed. 
2. Change the exterior locks. In addition to the previous owners, real estate agents, contractors and a number of other people may have keys to your home. Replace the old locks immediately for security. You can install new locks yourself or call a locksmith.
3. Transfer utilities. Ensure that you have service for utilities like electricity, water, gas and trash collection. Ideally, you’ll want to have planned for this in advance. If you’ve only rented before, providers may require you to apply for new accounts. Ask your home’s seller to discontinue service the day after closing so you can begin your service on that day to prevent any service interruptions. 
4. Deep clean. Depending on how the previous owners left the home, cleaning may be a quick afternoon job or a multi-day cleanse. Wipe down the walls, counters and fixtures and vacuum and mop all floors. If time is tight or the job is overwhelming, consider hiring a cleaning service.
5. Paint walls and ceilings. Painting is much easier to do before furniture and rugs arrive! Again, this is a great DIY job if you have time. Otherwise, hire professionals to take care of it.
6. File for the homestead exemption.      Depending on if you are a legal Florida resident you may be eligible for a Homestead Exemption on their owner/occupied home, which includes a condominium, apartment, and townhome.  This tax-saving exemption is given on the first and third $25,000 of the assessed value of your  primary residence.A homeowner is entitled to a homestead exemption if, as of January 1st, they made the property their permanent residence.  When filling for this exemption, the homeowner will need several documents, including proof of ownership (i.e. the Deed). Please visit the websites for each Property Assessors of the county that your home is in. 
7. Clean and service heating and cooling systems. Replace the air filters in your furnace and make sure your air conditioning unit is clear. Clean vents and well-running systems will provide efficient performance and can help prevent you from calling for service in the middle of a heat wave or cold snap. 
8. Review your homeowners insurance. Does your homeowners insurance policy provide the coverage you need? Review your policy to ensure you have the best coverage. There may be discounts available if you bundle with other policies or make safety upgrades around your home.
9. Change your address. Make sure to update your home address with your financial institution, car insurance company, employer, cellphone carrier, health and life insurance, other creditors and, of course, the U.S. Postal Service. Also remember to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a replacement driver’s license with your new address.
10. Beware of scams while signing up for new services.  Exercise caution when approached by contractors or unsolicited service providers. The most common scam involves official looking letters to provide your deed for a fee- your official deed will come directly from the tilt company or the lawyer who closed the deal at no cost. Please beware of the following:
11. 
    
    1. Offers for home equity lines of credit
    2. Offers for new credit cards
    3. Offers for home improvements (a swimming pool, for instance, or a new deck, energy-saving windows, etc.)
    4. Offers for “mortgage protection (life) insurance” (these policies usually cost more and a standard life insurance policy can accomplish the same thing)
       Offer for a bi-weekly payment plan on your home loan (key here: you can do this yourself, you don’t need to pay someone to do this for you!).
12. Congratulations of your new home sale! 

The papersThe papers are signed, and the keys are in hand. Do you know what to do next? Check this list for 10 key steps to take first. The papers are signed, and the keys are in hand. Do you know what to do next? Check this list for 10 key steps to take first.are signed, and the keys are in hand. Do you know what to do next? Check this list for 10 key steps to take first.