Next Steps After Closing On Your House
Whether you’re relocating to a new city or moving down the block, there’s nothing like the feeling of closing on your new house. Signing on the dotted line and taking possession is the final stage of the real estate transaction, but there are some essential next steps to take once you close the deal. Here are my top suggestions to make your transition into your new house go smoothly.
Make Duplicates of Real Estate Documents and Store Them Safely
When you close on your house, there will be a variety of legal and financial documents that should be properly stored for safekeeping. From your closing disclosure and proof of home insurance to your mortgage note, title, and deed, it is essential that you make copies of these documents. Once copies have been made, store them securely either in a floor-mounted home safe or in a safety deposit box at a bank or credit union. Making digital copies and storing them in a cloud-based solution such as Microsoft OneDrive is another popular option.
Change the Locks and Invest in Security
Immediately after closing on your house, you should change the locks on all external and internal doors. If the garage doors or other entry points have digital key pads, those should also be replaced or factory reset. As added protection, alarm systems and security cameras that monitor the external doors and windows give new homeowners peace of mind.
Update Address and Let Others Know
When you close on your new house, it’s a good idea to get a head start on changing your address. When you let businesses, healthcare, and financial institutions know of your new address before you move in, you’ll save yourself the stress of trying to get it all done during or after your move. It’s also important to inform Canada Post of your new address right away so any mail sent before your address change can be re-routed to your new house. Make sure to give a heads-up to friends and family so they can get a hold of you for social reasons or if there’s an emergency.
Check Your Utilities, Furnace, and Water Heater
Soon after you close on your house, you should check to make sure your utilities are set up and that your HVAC systems and equipment are functioning well. Depending on your location and the existing hook-ups, setting up power, heat, gas, and water can take several days. If you hold off until you’re about to move in, you may have to wait for your basic utilities to start. Depending on the results of your pre-purchase home inspection, you may also need to replace or repair equipment like your furnace, central air, or water heater. Allow yourself plenty of time to install the replacement before you move in.
Invest in Deep Cleaning
One of the best ways to make your new house a home is to invest in professional cleaning. Deep-cleaning your home ensures a fresh and hygienic living space. Deep cleaning typically includes the bathroom and kitchen, walls, floors, windows, baseboards, basement, and attic. Garages can also be dirty and grimy but professional power washing can transform the space into a clean area for storage and parking.
Are you interested in real estate investment opportunities?
As an experienced realtor, I help new and seasoned investors navigate the real estate market in Victoria, Cowichan Valley, and the South Island’s Westshore communities. I work with buyers to secure their preferred properties and close the deal. Contact me today to explore exciting opportunities for home ownership.