The mortgage is in place. The packing is done (almost). And closing day is around the corner. This is the home stretch... no pun intended. Don’t forget you’ve got another lap to go as there are as many things to do after you buy a home as there is to do before you purchase one.
Don’t panic. You can still paint the living room that all-the-rage turmeric color you saw in Architectural Digest. However, first you have to take care of the more practical stuff. In order not to get overwhelmed, it’s a good idea to streamline the tasks into a checklist. Here are 12 things to do after buying a home in the Berkshires.
1. Transfer Utilities
How are you going to have a house-warming party without any heat? Water, gas, and electricity are necessities. Prior to moving day, be sure to contact your utility providers and either transfer your existing accounts or establish new ones. The last thing you want is to be unpacking boxes in the dark.
2. Change Locks and Entry Codes
All locks and entry codes should be changed or reset. Call a locksmith in your area and have him or her switch out the locks and deadbolts and re-key the entry codes. Protecting your family and your family’s valuables is the number-one concern when moving to a new home. You have no way of knowing where the previous owner’s spare keys ended up.
3. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and alarms are essential fire prevention tools. Alarms should be installed on every level of the home. They should be maintained and tested every month and replaced every 10 years. Familiarize yourself with where the alarms are located and what types of batteries they take.
4. Set Up a Home Security System
According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, in 2017 only 17 percent of houses in the United States had a security system. However, even if you live in a safe area, a home security system is a worthwhile investment as it provides peace of mind. This doesn’t mean you need to sign a contract with a traditional security company that binds you to a multi-year deal. LiveWatch, SimpliSafe, Abode, SmartThings, and other do-it-yourself smart security systems have become increasingly popular with homeowners.
5. Review the Circuit Box
Where are the fuses? Are they labeled? If so, are the labels legible? To get the lay of the land of your home, review the circuit box and label all the switches accordingly. Take note of the on and off switches as well as any emergency shut-offs. You don’t need to be an electrician to understand your home’s electrical load, but some basic knowledge will help you use energy efficiently as well as come in handy if there’s ever an emergency.
6. Find Emergency Shut-Offs for Water
It’s important to know how and where to shut off your home’s main water supply. Many emergencies or repairs require shutting off the water to the house. The last thing you want is water gushing uncontrollably through the home causing potential flood damage. Since the water main begins at the street, most shut-off valves are on the side of the house facing the street.
7. Set up Landscape and Snow Removal Services
Maybe you’re a DIY kind of homeowner. If so, head to Home Depot and buy a lawnmower and some garden supplies (and don’t forget the snowblower). However, if the idea of mowing an acre of land or digging out of a New England winter sounds about as inviting as a root canal, consider setting up landscape and snow removal services.
8. Learn How All Appliances Work
Whether you have a Sub-Zero refrigerator or a vintage-style icebox, you need to know how to operate it. Ditto for the washer and dryer, as well as all other kitchen appliances. Be sure to acquire all the necessary operating manuals from the previous owner. If he or she doesn’t have them, download them online.
9. Set Up Trash Removal and Recycling
Buying a home is stressful, and setting up trash removal and recycling can be easily overlooked when you have a to-do list so long it would make Marie Kondo nervous. Depending on the town, you may have to purchase a trash bag sticker and recycling bin.
10. Connect to Internet and Cable Services
While connecting to internet and cable services might not fall under “emergency preparedness,” you do want to be prepared for the big game or a weekend Netflix binge. After packing, unpacking, and stressing over paint colors, not to mention making it to closing day, you’ve earned some much-needed R-and-R with your favorite show or a few hours on the internet. Call the cable service provider in your area and make an appointment with a technician.
11. Visit Your Local Government Offices
Visiting the local government offices and agencies will help ensure a smooth moving process. These offices are in charge of things such as change of address forms, property owner records, voter registration forms, pet ID tags, and in some but not all towns and communities, trash bag/beach stickers, and recycle bins. The Town Hall is also where you will find information about the police department, fire department, and public schools, as well as information about the community’s history, topography, and leisure and recreational activities.
12. Meet Your Neighbors
Host a neighborhood pot-luck dinner. Ask your neighbor for that proverbial cup of sugar. Whatever you do, strike up a conversation with the people who live on your street. According to a 2018 Pew Research study, only 31 percent of Americans say they know all or most of their neighbors. Buying a home means re-thinking the importance of time-honored social traditions. It’s a great opportunity to disconnect from social media and socialize with the neighbors.
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