You thought closing the mortgage and moving into your new house is the end of all the preparations you need after buying a home sweet home? Well, not exactly. As responsible homeowners, you should also ready yourselves for the physical and financial strains after moving in just as much as you did for preparing to buy. You’re going to make tough decisions, from home inspections to saving money. To guide you, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts after finally buying a house!
Don’t be too thrifty on home inspection
Never assume that one inspector is just as equally good as the other that you opt for the cheapest you could find. Believe me, you’ll only end up paying for inspections many times. Quick inspections do no good since once all contracts are signed, all the other issues in the house will be your own burden.
Do get window treatments and change of locks.
As for window treatments, you can get good deals at Home Depot or hire an interior designer to help you create something elegant. Additionally, you might also want to consider changing your locks for further security. Get your garage door reprogrammed so they only work on the controllers you have and prevent intrusion.
Don’t furnish before living in the space
Don’t start buying items such as couches and beds before living in the spaces. Being too eager in having the home as ready as possible so you could finally settle is a huge mistake. Move in most of your stuff with you, live with the old ones, and decide what needs to stay and be replaced. If you furnish before moving in, there’s a chance that some purchases may not even suit your functional needs.
Do get a professional deep clean.
Many homes may look pristine after the purchase, but you can’t be certain about that with just a look. Professional cleaning service is always a good idea before moving all your furniture and stuff in.
Don’t save money on the wrong places.
Buying a house is probably the most expensive decision you’ve ever done, so every dollar you use after the purchase really does count. But be careful because you might end up buying cheap, low quality items to save up. A more than affordable faucet might just require a repair after repair, while cheap curtains can be very inconvenient to guests. Trust me, you’l only end up paying for the same items twice.
Do set up security system, cables, internet, and other utilities.
You’re lucky if your purchased home already has a security system, although it may not be active once you move in. Start contacting home security companies to set up and operate everything. Also contact the internet and cable providers right away and make sure all local water and electric companies have rendered services and transferred to your name.
Do meet your neighbors
This is the best way to learn about your community—to meet your neighbors. Take a stroll and be familiar with the neighborhood. You’ll learn about restaurants, dry cleaners, and even pest control around your area through them. By establishing a great relationship, you can count on each other in case an emergency occurs.
Do tell everyone about your new address
But make sure you only give it to your close family and friends. You should also be able to contact creditors and companies you receive mail from to update your address, including post offices. This way, anytime someone sends you mail to your old address, it will get forwarded to your new address.