Things to Remember After Buying a Property

You have searched for your dream home for weeks or probably months. You rejected countless houses, shortlisted some, and settled down for the one you liked the most. Finally, after so much excitement and anxiety, the last document is signed, and you have the keys to your dream abode.

You may think that the process is over, but it is just the beginning. Here are a few things to remember just after buying a previously occupied property:

Change the old locks

This is something that is important if you are moving into a house that was previously occupied. Imagine that every family member of the earlier homeowner might have a set of keys to your new home. Maybe his brother/mother or best friend has a copy too! The real estate agent might have a set of keys as well. Therefore, as soon as you get keys to your new home, the first person you will need to call is a locksmith and get the locks changed.

Don’t just re-key the locks but replace the entire hardware too. It is not only for your safety and security but important for your peace of mind as well.

Make sure the piles of closing documents are put in a safe place

There is a lot of paperwork involved in closing a property deal and you can’t afford to lose a single paper out of the pile. Therefore, it is important to choose a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe for keeping the documents. Scan all the documents and email a copy to yourself to have online proof of the biggest purchase you will ever make. Also, make photocopies of the documents and keep them along with other important documents in the house for easy access.

Get all the maintenance work done before moving in

No matter how well-maintained your new house is, there are a few changes you may want in to bring it to ‘move-in’ condition. If the place needs work, get started right away. Make a list of the work you need to do in the beginning and contact a general contractor. You might also choose to handle it all by yourself and hire independent vendors for painting, floor refinishing or woodwork. Whatever your choice is, get to work and get all the maintenance work before moving in.

Internet, cable, water, electricity – set up the utilities

Some people assume that since the house was already occupied, the utilities might be already working. General utilities like electricity and water may have a grace period, but you can’t say the same for Internet and cable. It is better to make a visit to your new home and call the utility companies for service set-up. If you come to know about any previous dues from the seller, let him know about them immediately.

Hire a cleaning crew

There is no better time to clean a house than now. There is no furniture to be moved, no curtains to be removed, and no carpets to be rolled. Hire a cleaning crew who will give a thorough clean-up to each and every corner of your new house. The last thing you will want is to walk into the mess created by the previous owner before moving out with all your luggage,

Think ahead 

The journey to finding your new property can be stressful and exhausting. You might not want to indulge in anything strenuous anymore. However, by taking a little time and putting in little effort to plan ahead, you will save a lot of hassle.

And above all you will make your move into the new home much more satisfying and fulfilling knowing that you have secured your future.