Buying a home can be your life’s biggest transaction as well as a lifestyle decision. With the papers signed and the keys handed over – it is time to think of your property as home, sweet home. Now, before you start decorating your abode and throw a housewarming party, there are a few essential things that you must do.
Let’s begin.
Digitise your property documents
What is the first thing you do when you get a new identity proof? Scan it and make it handy. Well, you must do the same with all your property documents. Next, make multiple (minimum two) copies of all the documents and keep it in a separate file folder. These will come handy if you have shared the original documents with your home loan provider. Store all the documents safely in an electronic safe or bank locker. Always remember, getting a new document takes a lot of time and effort.
The sale deed is one of the first proofs of ownership. Thus, experts suggest creating a watermarked copy of the document to prevent its potential misuse.
Consult a lawyer to ensure that all the documents related to the property are in your name. Lastly, regardless of your age, make your will ready.
Keep track of documents
Buying a property requires a lot of paperwork, and so does the home loan. Thus, make a list of all the documents submitted to the bank. There have been instances where a bank has misplaced customers property documents. Ask your bank to issue a letter mentioning all the original documents submitted by you.
Update property tax records
This step is more critical if you have bought a resale property. Transfer the property tax into your name by visiting the municipal body. Once you do this, you will receive a Mutation Certificate.
If you skip this, you might pay the tax, but the receipts will be issued in the name of the previous owner.
New identity proofs
Water and electricity bills are also considered as identity proofs. Thus, transfer these into your name at the earliest. These will also help you change your address in all the other personal identity documents like Passport, Aadhar Card, Voters ID, and Driver’s License.
On a lighter note: Don’t forget to change your address in Amazon, Swiggy, Ola, and Uber.
Set up a security system
If you have bought a resale property, it is good to change all the main door locks in your home. And if you have bought an independent house, get a security system installed immediately.
Not so important things
Set up cable and internet
This is if you haven’t done it already. You will have to transfer your landline and Wi-Fi connection to your new address. You can do it by merely setting an appointment with your provider.
Get a home deep clean
Can you see paint marks everywhere? It’s better to get professional help to get your home deep clean before you move in with your things. An average deep clean for an empty home should not cost you more than Rs 5,000.
Buy a toolkit
If you don’t already have one, get it today! If you are not already crushed by the burden of EMIs, then go for readily available tools. However, if you are on a tight budget, here is a list of eight essential tools that you must have.
Meet your neighbours
Lastly, go out and say hi to your new neighbours. It is important to know who lives next door. They can give you a tour of the locality and show you some of the best places around your new home.
Thanks for pointing out that we should digitize our documents and store the original safely in an electronic safe to avoid losing them. My husband and I are planning to keep our documents safe because we have five kids who keep playing on our things in our home office.