When you decide to buy a house, it’s understandable if you focus your attention on what you to do to prepare to buy a house and the home-buying process itself. However, the home-buying process doesn’t end once you’ve got the keys. You’ll need to take some steps to make sure the move from your old place to your new one goes smoothly.
Go Over Your Mortgage Statement
A mortgage statement contains a lot of information, and you need to take some time to make sure you understand what it all means. Obviously, you’ll want to look at the amount due, the date your payments are due and how to make the payments. However, you should also look for things like your loan servicer’s contact information so you know who to call if you have any issues or questions about your mortgage.
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Connect Your Utilities
Once you know your closing date, you should contact the utility companies and set up a time for them to connect your electricity, Internet, gas and even your water. In order to make the transition as smoothly as possible, reach out to the utility companies beforehand and figure out how long they’ll need to switch their utilities, and factor their timelines into your moving schedule.
Contact the Post Office
Once you’ve got your new house, contact your nearest post office and let them know that you’ve changed your address. You’ll also want to start forwarding your mail to your new address, too. It’s worth pointing out that the Post Office does have an online form, and it lets you schedule the date the post office should forward your mail in advance.
Do a Deep Clean
It would be nice to assume the previous owners—or the construction company—cleaned up thoroughly before they left. However, you’ll probably want to spend the first couple of days as a new homeowner giving your new house a good cleaning.
In addition to vacuuming the floor, cleaning the windows and wiping the walls, you should also do the following:
- Clean the sink
- Clean the toilet
- Clean the shower
- Wipe down doors
- Spray and clean blinds
- Clean the refrigerator
- Scrub the stovetop burner trays
- Change the shower curtain
Change Your Locks
You don’t know who else the old homeowners gave their keys to, so it’s best to change your locks just to be safe. Don’t forget to make some copies of the new keys to make sure you don’t lock yourself out.
Buy a Fireproof Safe
Buying a house comes with a lot of paperwork that you’ll need to keep safe. Your best bet is to buy a small, fireproof safe that will keep all your mortgage and ownership documents. You can also store other important information in there, such as birth certificates and car titles.
Check the Smoke Detectors
Make sure all the smoke detectors have new batteries and test them to make sure they all work. Also check to make sure your house has at least one carbon monoxide detector.
Throw a Housewarming Party
You don’t technically need to take this step, but it’s a great way to introduce friends and family to your new home. You can also invite your neighbors and generate a bit of goodwill in your new neighborhood.
Buy Your New Home With First Alliance Credit Union
Once you’ve closed on your new home, there’s still a few things you’ll have to do, like cleaning your new house and making sure the utilities are transferred. You may also want to invest in some new smoke detectors and a fireproof safe.
When you’re looking for a new home, don’t forget to get pre-approved for a mortgage at First Alliance Credit Union. Our expert mortgage advisors will help you figure out how much you can afford to pay, and they’ll be available to offer help at every stage of the mortgage application process.
