Moving is usually thought of as overwhelming, exhausting, and nerve-wracking. There are millions of things to get done, and when it all needs to happen at once, it can turn into a recipe for disaster. Working with Real Estate for MDs by the Affinity Real Estate Team will ensure that the process won’t be harder than necessary. Your experience becomes that of starting a new life in your home, rather than miserable memories of stress, your times looking back on the move will be fond ones.
We will turn each step into simple tasks which can be made into a checklist for streamlining the process of getting acclimated to your new responsibilities after purchasing your home.
“11 First Things to Think of When Buying Your First Home”
1. Review your home inspection report and other types of inspection reports to ensure that the seller has fixed certain things, or to ensure that you are aware of what will still need to be finished
2. In your final walkthrough with your agent, check for plumbing leaks while you find out where your water shut-off valve is located, and how to find and open your electrical panel
3. Review the condition of your flooring before moving in – Plan to replace carpets before unloading and unpacking furniture
4. On moving day, you may have paid the moving company and various other expenses with your card, but make sure that you have cash to tip the movers, or for any unforeseen situations where cash isn’t accepted
5. Make sure that your utilities are turned on, by notifying the companies to transfer the gas, water, electrical, trash, and sewer into your name – Inquire at closing whether county utilities are being transferred by the escrow company in your locality, otherwise you will have to call yourself. Don’t wait until the sun is setting on your first night in the new home
6. Prepare your pets for the move. They may be terrified, and if they aren’t scared, they may be running between your (and the mover’s) feet! It’s a good idea to pack your pet’s necessities in a separate box, so once you begin moving in, you can unpack food dishes, litter boxes, toys, treats, blankets etc. in a closed room, so you can check on them while ensuring they won’t run out the front door as people come in and out
7. Change the locks so that anyone with keys given out by the previous owner can no longer access your new home. Call a locksmith and get a deadbolt installed if your door doesn’t already have one, expect to pay $50-100 for the home visit, and then extra for each copy of the keys. If the house has different key locks throughout, this is a good point to change out all the locks to work with a single key
8. Plug in your refrigerator, because many people unplug it when they walk out the door of their home for the last time. Check all your appliances are plugged in while you’re at it, and test out that everything from the ice maker to the outlets are working
9. Changing your mailing address can be done online, and do it ASAP because not all mail is forwarded and some might get mixed up for a while. Contact any important companies that you maintain paper mail contact with, to change your mailing address directly with entities such as credit card lenders, and/or your bank. While you’re at it, update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles and get updated licenses for all drivers and vehicle registrations
10. Look into home security systems, your home may have one already installed and if so, it will be quick and easy for the company to activate if the equipment is in place. If you use a system with coded entry, choose a separate code for residents and for guests
11. You’ll need wifi in general, but also for your digital doorbells/security camera systems, or especially if you use any smarthome apps which turn on lights, open doors, or water plants. While your wifi is set up, the technician may also be able to connect and set up your tv/cable
Comments