Buying a new home is exciting. After house hunting, negotiating, going through the mortgage process and closing, you finally have a place to call your own!
It’s important to take some time and get your new house in order before moving in. Here are some essential steps to help you make the transition smoothly.
- Contact Your Lender
After months of house hunting, you finally found the home that fits your budget and needs. But as a new homeowner, there are a few important tasks you must take care of before closing on your mortgage.
For example, you’ll need to change your address and notify your local utility companies. You’ll also want to keep all of your mortgage paperwork, inspection reports and other documents in a safe place.
- Schedule Your Closing
Becoming a homeowner is one of the most exciting and important financial investments you will ever make. However, the process can be overwhelming if you don’t prepare.
It is essential to have a closing date that is prior to the expiration of your lender’s loan commitment so you can lock-in your established interest rate.
Choose a day with few other commitments so you have time to focus on the proceedings.
- Schedule a Home Inspection
A home inspector will examine the condition of your new home. Depending on the inspector and property, a general home inspection takes two to three hours.
If there are issues with the property, you have the option of asking the seller to make repairs or offering credits during closing. Or you can choose to buy the property as-is and address problems on your own after the close.
- Schedule a Home Inspection Report
During the home inspection, inspectors will check for things like clogged pipes and water damage. Make sure the inspector can access areas like the basement, attic and crawl space by clearing them out ahead of time.
After the inspection, review the report to identify repairs you’ll need to take care of. You can negotiate with the sellers to have them fix these items or offer you credits or concessions.
- Schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection
Home inspections are a great way to understand the condition of your new home. However, they can leave you with a list of minor repairs to complete after moving in.
Look for an inspector with experience in the construction methods and idiosyncrasies of your region. It’s also helpful to find an inspector who specializes in your type of home. This can help you narrow down your search and avoid missteps.
- Schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection Report
Whether you want to understand the overall condition of your new home or get help prioritizing repairs, a home maintenance inspection is an excellent choice. Water leaks, for example, are common in homes that are neglected and can lead to expensive damage.
A home maintenance inspection can also detect safety hazards and identify energy savings opportunities. These insights are important for helping homeowners plan and budget accordingly. Knowing the difference between home insurance vs home warranty will help you as a new homeowner.
- Schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection Report
It’s important to have an idea of the physical condition of your home before you move in. This will help you prioritize and plan for any future repairs or maintenance.
Ask friends and family for recommendations on inspectors in your area. Make sure your inspector is qualified and experienced. A home inspection typically takes between two and three hours. Be sure to schedule a time that works for you.
- Schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection Report
Home maintenance inspections help prevent major issues from arising and minimize costs down the road. During the inspection, you’ll walk through the property with an inspector and have an opportunity to ask questions and get clarification.
You’ll also receive a detailed report that will list any observed items. This can be useful for future insurance claims, a record of repairs, and even when selling the property.
- Schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection Report
Make sure you know where the emergency shut-offs are and review your home’s circuit breaker box. Also, organize all appliance manuals so you can quickly find them if needed.
If you decide to sell your home in the future, having a detailed inspection report will help you negotiate with prospective buyers. It will demonstrate that you’ve maintained the property well over time.
- Schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection Report
When the inspector leaves, you’ll receive a report detailing everything they found. This can help you prioritize repairs and get started on projects right away.
Some issues may require immediate attention, such as a broken roof or leaking foundation. Others can be negotiated with the seller at closing or addressed on your own after you move in. A detailed inspection report can also be a valuable asset when you eventually sell your home.
