Your Checklist to Ensure A Move-In Ready, New Home 

Buying a home can be stressful for a first-time home buyer. But knowing what to expect, especially when it comes to any expenses or responsibilities you may encounter down the road, can make it a smoother, more enjoyable process.

“During the home buying process, many first-time buyers are focused on the obvious issues right in front of them like the purchase price of their house, the interest rate on their mortgage, or the down payment they will need to make,” explained Carrie Powers, Senior Loan Originator with the Silverton Mortgage Wilpower Team. “Unfortunately they don’t know how to plan for things like moving-related expenses or renewing service-related contracts which tend to pop up after closing.”

To help our clients plan for any unexpected issues, the Silverton Wilpower Team compiled the following checklist of common expenses and responsibilities that may come with the keys to your new home.

Ask about the status of existing warranties and service contracts.

Some homes come with existing home warranties or service contracts which are in place to reassure the homebuyer and provide the seller with protection against certain complaints regarding home defects that may arise after closing.

If it wasn’t discussed prior to closing or included in the terms of your transaction, you should ask your lender or real estate agent about existing warranties or service contracts for your new home. The following list of contracts may need to be transferred from a previous owner into your name. Or, you may need to renew certain contracts and warranties prior to the inspection of the home you are purchasing.

Be sure to ask about the following service contracts, maintenance agreements, and warranties:

• Termite bond
• Home warranty (also referred to as a residential service contract or RSC)

 File for homestead exemption 

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home’s valuation from taxation. Put simply, homestead exemptions may help lower your taxes. A homeowner must file for homestead exemptions in the county or city where their home is located. Various exemptions are available, so it’s important to check with your city or county municipality for guidance on what you’re eligible for as a new homeowner, as well as the documentation that is required to show proof of your eligibility.

Prep your house before you move in.

From cleaning to setting up essential household services, there are several things you will want to do to prepare your home for move-in day.

• Put your closing packet and all other important documents in a safe place.
• Hire a pro to deep clean your house.
• Schedule a time for a locksmith to rekey your house.
• Pay deposits associated with the set-up of new services at your new home including utilities, electricity, water and waste services, phone, internet, cable or satellite services.
• Test the home’s carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Service and clean your HVAC units.
• Complete a change of address form with the USPS and alert others of your new address, as well.
• Update your drivers license

Plan for a successful moving experience.

To help ensure moving day is successful and stress-free, you will want to remember to:

• Start saving boxes well in advance for packing your belongings.
• Line up friends and family to help, or be prepared to hire professional movers to do the heavy lifting.
• Book a moving truck for the days your move will be taking place.

Budget for common household necessities.

Many first-time buyers don’t think to budget for household necessities that you will need for you new place. As you are preparing to become a new home owner, remember you will need to prepare to cover the cost of the following items once you receive the keys to your new home:

• Decorating expenses
• Window coverings like curtains and blinds
• Floor coverings like area rugs and throw rugs for smaller spaces
• Furniture
• Lighting fixtures and ceiling fans
• Trash cans
• Paper towel and toilet paper holders
• Garage door openers

“There’s no doubt that buying a home is one of the most rewarding and proud moments of your life,” said Amy Wilemon, Senior Loan Originator with the Silverton Mortgage Wilpower Team. “With a little planning in advance, you can set yourself up for success and help ensure all the bases are covered which will make your home buying experience pleasant and moving-in day stress-free.”

So, you’re ready to buy a house? We can help. 

The Wilpower Team with Silverton Mortgage is here to make your home buying process as easy and stress-free as possible. We walk you through the process and stay with you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started.