As you leave the closing table, officially a homeowner, you may feel a wave of different emotions. From excitement to stress, one thing stays at the top of every new owner’s mind – what now? It might feel tempting to back the moving truck right up to the driveway and get started, but there are a few things you need to do before you can call your new house a home. Use these three R’s to ensure you’re prepared for anything on move-in day.

Review

Once you’ve closed, it’s crucial to look back on the process and make sure you’ve covered everything you need for your new home. It might be hard to resist throwing out all the documents you’ve accumulated throughout the homebuying process. However, these documents are incredibly important, and you’ll probably need them again if you ever refinance or sell your home. Make copies of these and store them in a safe place so you can reach them easily. Next, look over your homeowner’s insurance policy so you understand your coverage and know who to contact if you ever need to make a claim. At this point, it’s also smart to mark your calendar for when your first mortgage payment is due, or even set up auto-pay so you don’t forget.

Regroup

After you’ve reviewed everything and stowed your important documents in a safe place, it’s time to regroup. This step is like your move-in checklist. First, do a walk-through of your new home to make sure everything is in order. Check smoke detectors, your water heater, lights – anything that is easily fixable before you move in. If cleaners haven’t been through yet, this is a great opportunity to do a floor-to-ceiling clean-up before you bring your furniture in. In this step, you’ll also want to change your address on important records like mail, driver’s license, employee records, etc. In addition, call and make sure your utilities are on and are registered to your account. Consult with utility companies on services like trash, sewage, gas, or any other accounts you might need. The last step before you move should be to change the locks so you can feel safe and secure in your new home.

Renovate

This step of the three R’s is optional, but it’s important to make sure there’s nothing you want to update before moving in. Smaller projects like painting walls or changing flooring should be done before move-in day so you have ample time and space to complete them. If you’re planning a bigger remodel, this step is where you can start creating your vision and hiring contractors. These larger projects take time, so you may have to move in before you complete them. If you’re happy with your new home just the way it is, take this step to walk-through one last time to make a move-in plan and sort out where you want furniture to go.

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, but with proper preparation, you’ll be on the road to your home sweet home. If you ever have questions about the homebuying process or need help figuring out what to do next, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced lenders at Flat Branch Home Loans.

Three R's for After You Close