Congratulations on your new home!
After spending so much time securing a pre-approval mortgage, house hunting, and negotiating through your Tennessee realtor, you have finally bought your new home in Tennessee.
Now is the time to sit back and relax. Or is it?
On the surface, it may appear that after moving into your new home everything is done. However, as a new homeowner, you should re-check that home inspection list (you did get a home inspection, right?) and start taking care of anything urgent.
Your To-Do List After Moving To Your New Home
Home Security
Unfortunately we live in increasingly dangerous times. If your new home doesn’t have a home security system, you should think about investing in one. It is an investment in your future safety and the safety of your loved ones.
You should also change the locks on the doors after moving into your new home; you don’t know who has copies from the previous owner, and maybe install some motion lights.
You don’t have to live in Fort Knox, but having peace of mind as you relax in your new castle is much less stressful.
Smoke and Invisible Dangers
You have secured your new home, now you want to keep your home and your loved ones safe with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors (you can get combination units) and fire extinguishers.
Talk with your local fire department, ask them what they recommend and what they would use in their own homes.
Kids and Pets
Do you have young children? Furry animal companions?
Your new home may not be child and pet safe. Doors, cabinets, loose items, outlets, and stairs are dangers to those who don’t know any better. Getting outlet covers, cabinet locks and safety gates go a long way to keeping your children, furry friends safe.
Complete necessary paperwork
Thought the paperwork was done? Almost.
With a shift to a new home a lot of information needs updating, here are some general items:
- Changing address – After buying your new home or after moving into your new home you will need to update your address for many services and agencies like: USPS (postal service), DMV (drivers license), IRS, banks, employers, credit card providers, and insurance companies, just to name a few.
- Forwarding your mail – If you didn’t before you moved, you should put in a mail forwarding request with the post office so any mail sent to you at the old address will shift to the new home instead.
- Make copies of closing documents – Make sure you have multiple copies of your closing documents in case there is a question down the road after buying your home.
Homeowner’s Insurance
Even if you didn’t get a mortgage, homeowners insurance is a good idea (usually required if you did get a mortgage).
Make sure your old policy (if you transferred the policy) is at least adequate for the new home. You may need more or less coverage after buying your home which will affect your policy cost and of course don’t forget any vehicles.
Connecting Utilities
Check with your power, water, sewage, phone (if physical) and any other utility services to ensure the owner information has been updated after buying your home. You want to do this now so you don’t have problems in the future if you lose power, water or have other problems.
Power
You talked with the power company, but do you know where the breaker box/fuse box is located? You should check the box to make sure you know where it is and the breakers are labeled. If they are not, you should go through the house making notes of which breakers control which outlets, lights and appliances.
If that is too confusing, hire an electrician or handyman to help you.
After moving to your new home, take the time to become familiar with the use and features of your new appliances. It will come in handy when you want to cook your first meal in your new home.
Changing filters
If you have central heat/air you want to check and/or change the filters to keep the air clean and everything working smoothly. When you move into a new home, you don’t know the last time the filters were changed.
Entertainment
So, the house is secure, safety items have been addressed for fire, smoke, children and pets, you have power, water and utilities and your paperwork is up-to-date. Now what?
Have fun! Oh, wait, did you turn on/move your internet and TV services?
Talk with your neighbor’s or call around to find out the best options for internet and TV. They usually have great deals for new customers who move into a new home.
Conclusion
Moving into a new home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult and if you need references or contact information for the above items, talk with your realtor.
When buying or selling a property with Sandy Covington, your Tennessee realtor, she is always happy to help you find who you need. From electricians or plumbers to landscapers and more, if Sandy Covington is helping you buy or sell your property, she has the contacts to help you get the job done right.
Enjoy your new home!
