You’ve finally made the big step and bought your first home! Buying a home is likely the biggest financial investment you will make in your life. It is important that you take all the necessary steps to protect that investment. Here are a few things you should make sure to take care of once you are moved into your new home.
Change the Locks
Even though the homeowners will hand you the keys when you buy their home, you don’t know how many copies of the keys were made, or who has them. One of the first things you need to take care of when you move in is changing the locks. If there is a keypad on the garage door, you will also want to change that code as soon as possible.
Insurance
Having homeowner’s insurance is a must. It was likely a requirement when you got your mortgage loan. After you’ve been situated in your new home for 6 months to a year you may want to revisit your insurance policy. After living in your new place for a while you will have had time to assess if you have either too much or too little coverage and you can adjust your policy from there.
Utilities Set Up
You will need to get all of your utilities situated as soon as possible. Make sure to get everything under your name such as electric, phone and gas. Check to see if the town you live in is responsible for picking up your garbage or if you need to contract someone to do so. Additionally, you will need to set up internet and a TV service if you want one. You will also want to make sure you update your billing address for things like credit cards or cell phone bills, so you don’t miss payments.
Check on Systems/Appliances
Making sure your furnace and HVAC are running properly is definitely something you should do when you buy a home. Check to see if the HVAC filters need to be replaced. If you have clogged filters your cooling and heating system will not run as efficiently and will cost, you extra money.
Tools
If you were renting you may have had a maintenance person handling repairs so you may not have had tools of your own. When you own a home, you are going to need a set of tools for things like repairs, hanging artwork, etc. You never know when you are going to need them!
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First Weber sells real estate throughout Wisconsin: Metro Milwaukee and Southeastern WI, South Central Wisconsin/Greater Madison, Central Wisconsin, Northeast Wisconsin, Western WI, parts of MN, Michigan’s UP and Wisconsin’s great Northwoods. You can start searching for Wisconsin real estate and Wisconsin real estate agents at firstweber.com