Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland
LOVELAND – As a home buyer, your primary focus has been to make it to the closing table. You’ve dreamed about getting handed those coveted keys… a symbol that your dreams of homeownership have finally come true. But once that step is done, what comes next? With the attention shifting towards moving, you may be missing some critical tasks. Here’s a list to get you started.
Celebrate
Enjoy the moment! Take pictures in front of your new home. Pop a bottle of champagne. Buying a home is a huge milestone that you should take a moment to celebrate.
Home security
Now that the home is officially yours, it’s time to protect it. Change out the door locks as soon as possible. There’s no telling how many people may have copies of those keys, such as real estate agents, house cleaners, contractors, dog walkers and friends of the past owner. Be sure to also change codes to alarms and door openers (i.e. the garage). Limiting unauthorized access should be a priority before you move in.
Schedule payments
With all of the excitement and craziness of moving, you could easily forget to actually pay for the new home! Normally, a first payment slip is included with your closing documents. Set a reminder for yourself to mail in the payment on-time, or better yet, schedule the payment ahead of time through your online banking.
Change your address
You may have held off on changing your address for fearing of jinxing your closing. As you get pre-occupied with moving and unpacking, don’t forget to complete this important task. Address forwarding can be done online with USPS. Update financial institutions (banks, credit card companies, etc.). Notify your employer and your insurance company. Be aware that address changes can often effect auto insurance rates, hopefully in your favor.
Home safety and efficiency
Your home ownership responsibilities start on day one. To get off on a good, fresh start, clean out dryer vents and replace air filters. Also, consider switching out light bulbs to hi-efficiency versions. If your home is heated via forced hot air, consider having the heating vents cleaned as well. Carpeting should be washed to eliminate dirt and allergen buildup. Lastly, don’t forget to replace water filters on the fridge.
Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail [email protected].
