1. Make Copies of your Closing Documents. The documents handed to you at closing are probably the most expensive pieces of paper that you have ever encountered in your life! The first stop you make after closing should be your local copy shop. While all the documents are still together and in order, take at least one copy of everything. Storing your original documents in a safe deposit box is highly recommended.
2. Change the Locks. Whether it’s a realtor or a friendly neighbor, the chances are good that someone besides you still has copies of the old keys. Change the locks on day one. While you’re at it, reset the numeric entry codes for electronic garage doors, gates and any other entry doors in the home. “If the previous owner didn’t leave any instructions, look up the keypad manufacturer online, where many offer instructions for resetting their units,” advises Owners.com
3. Measure Everything. Get every dimension you could possibly need, while it’s easy to reach. Once furniture is in place this gets more difficult. Measure room sizes, window sizes, different lengths of walls, space between electric outlets.
4. Deep Clean. This is another great way to take advantage of your still-empty home. Thoroughly cleaning the floors, baseboards and windows will never be this easy again! Don’t stop there: countertops, shelves, and drawers will all need your attention. Bankrate.com suggests, “Run a phantom load in the dishwasher and washing machine, clean out the oven if it needs it, and don't forget the refrigerator and freezer”.
5. Change the Filters. The average home has a lot of filters. Change them all when you move in. This includes:
• Aeration filters in kitchen and bathroom spigots.
• The air filter in the heating and air conditioning unit.
• The vent filter above the stove.
6. Check the Temperature on the Water Heater. If you control your own hot water, you’ll want to check the temperature pretty early on during your first day in the house. To save on utility bills, the developer may have turned the temperature down – or off completely. Save yourself a cold surprise when you go to take a shower! The temperature dial on your water heater should have a tick mark at the best setting. While you’re at it, also make sure that your circuit breakers are properly labeled.
7. Exterminate. “You could set off a bug bomb or have the exterminator come and spray. Even if you don't see any bugs, it's likely they're there, and you don't want to have to share your new digs with pests,” advises Strawstickstone.com. It will be more difficult to find and eliminate pests once you move in all your things. Plus, while the house is empty, you won't have to worry about your children or your pets being exposed to harsh extermination chemicals.
8. Cover the Windows. This should be particularly easy since you already measured, right? You don’t have to tackle all your windows at once; just start with the windows in the most essential rooms. “When night falls, you don't want you, your family and all of your belongings on display for every passerby to see. Of course, if you've yet to even consider your window covering needs, head for the boxes marked "linens" -- you can always tack up a sheet or two until you have time to decide on tab-tops or Roman shades.”(Howstuffworks.com)
9. Become Familiar with Tax Savings. Rich McIlhenny, an agent at Re/Max Services, says he reminds his buyers to consult their accountant “about deducting interest, points, real estate taxes and possibly moving expenses from their returns for that year.”
10. Some Other Stuff. Be sure to file a forwarding address with the post office. And lastly, “Make yourself familiar with trash-collection days.”
Sources: Strawstickstone.com; Bankrate.com; Seattletimes.com; howstuffworks.com; Owners.com
Photo credit: Designed by Freepik
2. Change the Locks. Whether it’s a realtor or a friendly neighbor, the chances are good that someone besides you still has copies of the old keys. Change the locks on day one. While you’re at it, reset the numeric entry codes for electronic garage doors, gates and any other entry doors in the home. “If the previous owner didn’t leave any instructions, look up the keypad manufacturer online, where many offer instructions for resetting their units,” advises Owners.com
3. Measure Everything. Get every dimension you could possibly need, while it’s easy to reach. Once furniture is in place this gets more difficult. Measure room sizes, window sizes, different lengths of walls, space between electric outlets.
4. Deep Clean. This is another great way to take advantage of your still-empty home. Thoroughly cleaning the floors, baseboards and windows will never be this easy again! Don’t stop there: countertops, shelves, and drawers will all need your attention. Bankrate.com suggests, “Run a phantom load in the dishwasher and washing machine, clean out the oven if it needs it, and don't forget the refrigerator and freezer”.
5. Change the Filters. The average home has a lot of filters. Change them all when you move in. This includes:
• Aeration filters in kitchen and bathroom spigots.
• The air filter in the heating and air conditioning unit.
• The vent filter above the stove.
6. Check the Temperature on the Water Heater. If you control your own hot water, you’ll want to check the temperature pretty early on during your first day in the house. To save on utility bills, the developer may have turned the temperature down – or off completely. Save yourself a cold surprise when you go to take a shower! The temperature dial on your water heater should have a tick mark at the best setting. While you’re at it, also make sure that your circuit breakers are properly labeled.
7. Exterminate. “You could set off a bug bomb or have the exterminator come and spray. Even if you don't see any bugs, it's likely they're there, and you don't want to have to share your new digs with pests,” advises Strawstickstone.com. It will be more difficult to find and eliminate pests once you move in all your things. Plus, while the house is empty, you won't have to worry about your children or your pets being exposed to harsh extermination chemicals.
8. Cover the Windows. This should be particularly easy since you already measured, right? You don’t have to tackle all your windows at once; just start with the windows in the most essential rooms. “When night falls, you don't want you, your family and all of your belongings on display for every passerby to see. Of course, if you've yet to even consider your window covering needs, head for the boxes marked "linens" -- you can always tack up a sheet or two until you have time to decide on tab-tops or Roman shades.”(Howstuffworks.com)
9. Become Familiar with Tax Savings. Rich McIlhenny, an agent at Re/Max Services, says he reminds his buyers to consult their accountant “about deducting interest, points, real estate taxes and possibly moving expenses from their returns for that year.”
10. Some Other Stuff. Be sure to file a forwarding address with the post office. And lastly, “Make yourself familiar with trash-collection days.”
Sources: Strawstickstone.com; Bankrate.com; Seattletimes.com; howstuffworks.com; Owners.com
Photo credit: Designed by Freepik
Top Tips for Mortgage Loan Shopping
