Purchasing a home is exciting life event and is a time when you will have, what feels like, a million things to do. From packing up to moving in and getting your kids off to their first day of school, there is a lot to consider.
To get started here’s a checklist to help get you through your first year of being a homeowner!
1) Review Your Home Inspection Report 
Review the home inspection report with your real estate agent and make a list of repairs. Understanding the what repairs may be required you can request that the seller make the necessary repairs before you take ownership.
2) Create an Emergency Fund
Maintenance emergencies happen. Prepare for broken windows, dishwasher failures, and leaky roofs ahead of time by setting aside an emergency fund. Setting cash aside can prevent you from having to take out a costly repair loan later.
3) Home Owners Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is one of the most important purchases you will make as a new homeowner. Work with your insurance agent to ensure you have the right amount of coverage to protect your home against storm damage, theft, fire, flood or other potential disasters listed in the policy.
4) Address Update Checklist
- Submit a change of address form with the USPS to ensure your mail is forward to your new address. This may take two weeks for your mail to be forwarded to your new address.
- Update your address with your creditors, financial institutions, family and friends.
- Driver’s license and registration.
- Update your vote registration
5) Build Your Dream Team
From landscapers to house cleaners, determine if you need help with various homeowner chores and who will be included in your dream team. You can screen potential contractors and electricians, plumbers and more by viewing Home Advisors or Angie’s List. You’ll have a list of reviews at your finger tips to help you make a decision on who to hire for home projects.
6) Meet Your Neighbors 
Not only is living in a new community more comfortable when you know who lives around you, but your neighbors may be able to share valuable information that will help you get settled in your new community.
Attend community events and volunteer your time. This will give you the opportunity to meet new people within your community.
7) Home Security System
Home security provides peace of mind. Safeguard your home with a home alarm system. There are a number of budget friendly options.
8) Document Your Personal Possessions
Keep a record of your valuable possessions in the event you ever need to file an insurance claim. Having an inventory of your possession can be accomplished by photos or creating a video, along with can itemized list in a simple spreadsheet. Remember to record serial numbers where applicable such as your laptop and other mobile devices.
9) Confirm Paperwork is in Order
Within 30 days of closing on your home, review and confirm with your mortgage lender, real estate agent, and escrow officer, that all legal paperwork has been filed and that all accounts are set up properly.
Create a filing system for your homeowners’ documents, appliance manuals, receipts, insurance documents, and other related paperwork you receive for easy access.
This filing system will be helpful when it’s time to file your annual taxes.
10) Create a Home Budget
Create a home budget spreadsheet which includes your home projects, business, and overall living expenses. This is a great way to not only track spending but also plan for future home improvements.
11) Plan Projects
Create a list of home projects and repairs that need to complete and schedule them on your calendar. Invest in some tools and garden supplies. Tackle a little at a time.
The first year of being a homeowner is busy. Take some time to break from the move, remember that Rome was not built in a day, Enjoy your new home!
At Robuck Homes, we strive to helping our homeowners gain the most enjoyment from their homes.
