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Are you in the market for a new house as a first-time homebuyer?
Experts predict an inventory peak for homes this summer, making it a great time to buy. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, you need to prepare for what comes next; from securing insurance to setting up your new address, there’s a lot you need to do.
We’ve put together this guide on all the things to do after buying a house to make the process easier. Let’s cover the next steps you need to take so you can settle in.
1. Change Your Address
This part is a little tedious, but it’s crucial that you take the time to contact your bank, utility companies, and family members to let them know about your new address. Otherwise, your mail will find its way to the wrong house or even get lost.
Here’s a list of who you should contact:
- Post office
- Utility companies
- Your employer
- Your bank
- Credit card companies
- Subscription services
- Online shopping websites
- Loan providers
- Your vet (if applicable)
- Social Security Administration
- Your doctor
- Your dentist
- Insurance providers
- Cable, phone, and internet providers
- Clubs and gyms
- Friends and family
When you contact the post office for a change of address, mail will be forwarded to your new home for 12 months. You’ll be charged a small fee, but this is to prevent fraud.
It’s up to you to make sure you contact all the different companies and people on the list. The sooner you do it, the less you’ll have to worry about delays.
2. Set up Insurance
You likely have homeowner’s insurance ready, but you also have to remember to update your car insurance. Your address can impact your rates, so you’ll have to contact the company to give them your new address.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to look into flood insurance. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.
Flood damage can happen due to storms, nearby water sources like rivers and lakes, saturated ground, etc. Learn about Better Flood insurance and get a quote to make sure your home remains protected.
3. Update Security
There’s a lot to think about when owning a home, but safety and security should be at the top of your list.
No matter where you live, investing in new security measures to protect yourself and your family is one of the most crucial steps to take. This involves:
- Changing the locks
- Resetting the codes for the garage doors
- Checking your water heater
- Testing your smoke detectors
- Installing motion lights
- Buying a fire extinguisher
- Making sure all electricity is up to code
Check off These Important Things to Do After Buying a House
The home buying process is a stressful one, and you’re not finished even after you sign on the dotted line. You still need to check off these things to do after buying a house. However, this guide should help make it easier for you.
If you’re looking for more home buying tips, be sure to read some of the other content on our blog. We cover all the latest on real estate, housing, and construction.
