I just closed on my home. What’s next?

Congratulations, you just closed on your new home! Now that you’ve taken possession, there are a few important steps to ensure a smooth and secure transition into homeownership. From rekeying your locks and updating your garage door access to setting up utilities and updating your mailing address, these tasks will help protect your investment and get you settled quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential next steps to make your new house truly feel like home.

Rekey

After closing on your new home and taking possession, one of the first things you should do is rekey your locks. While the previous owners may have handed over their keys, you can’t be certain how many copies exist or who else may have them. Contractors, neighbors, or friends of the former owner could potentially still have access. Rekeying ensures only you and those you trust have entry to your home, providing peace of mind and security. This simple and affordable step helps protect your family, belongings, and new investment from unauthorized access.

If the seller provided you with garage door openers, it’s important to reprogram your garage door openers and remotes. The previous owners, or anyone they shared the access code with, may still have the ability to open your garage.

Utilities

If you haven’t already, the next thing you’ll want to do is to set up your utilities to ensure a smooth transition. Contact utility providers for electricity, water, and gas first, since those are your essentials services. In Texas, electricity has been de-regulated so you can shop service providers at powertochoose.org. In the Houston area, it’s almost an absolute that gas service, if needed at your home, will be provided by Centerpoint Energy. Water service is another animal. So homes will be serviced by city water. Some will get services from an on-site well. And still others get water service from local municipal utilities districts (MUDs).

Additionally, you’ll want to set up trash and recycling services and checking on other optional services like pest control, security systems, pool service, and lawn maintenance. Keeping a checklist of your utility providers, account numbers, and contact information will help you stay organized and make it easier to resolve any issues if they arise. Lastly, and if needed, shop services providers for home phone, cable tv, and internet services. Page six of the Seller’s Disclosure Notice in your purchase contract lists the previous owner’s service providers.

If you cannot find them, your agent should be able to provide you with a list of all of your service providers or help you find them.

Mailbox Keys

Don’t forget to obtain your mailbox keys after closing on your home. If your home has a community or cluster mailbox, you’ll need to visit your local post office to get the keys, as the previous owners may not have provided them. Bring a copy of your settlement statement and a photo ID for verification. For standalone mailboxes, it’s a good idea to rekey them if locked.

Homestead Exemption

You should contact your local appraisal district at your earliest convenience to apply for your homestead exemption. Under Texas law, homeowners who file for homestead exemption are offered certain protections as well as significant tax benefits on their primary residences, particularly after the passing of Proposition 4 through the Texas Legislature.

You can learn more about Homestead Exemptions and how they benefit you here on our website. This page also includes links to local area appraisal districts so you can learn about the specific requirements for applying. If your home is one of those rare creatures that is located in two counties, you’ll need to apply for a homestead exemption in both counties.

Update your Address

Updating your mailing address is a crucial step after closing on your home to ensure your mail is uninterrupted. Start by notifying the United States Postal Service (USPS) through their online address change service or by visiting your local post office to complete a Change of Address form. This will forward your mail to your new home for a specified period, giving you time to update your information with various organizations.

Be sure to update your address with banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscriptions you have. Don’t forget to inform your employer, doctor’s office, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if necessary. Updating your address promptly helps you avoid missed bills, delayed packages, and ensures your information remains current across all services.

Finish Inspection Items

Assuming there were some items from your inspection report that were NOT resolved prior to closing, make a checklist of the items that you need to address once all the craziness of your move settles down. Start with items that may pose a safety hazard, then with items that will ‘seal up’ your home and protect it from the weather – cracks in window insulation, cracks in brick mortar, unsealed roof barriers, etc. Last on the list would be cosmetic items. Then take care of them on your schedule.

Go over the home with a fine-tooth comb to look for any damage or maintenance issues that may have been overlooked during the closing process. Schedule any necessary repairs. Think about any home improvement projects you’d like to undertake in the future, such as remodeling, adding a deck, or upgrading kitchen appliances.

Update and Organize Important Documents

Insurance

If you sold a home prior to buying your new home, contact your insurance provider about cancelling your old homeowners insurance, if applicable. Verify that your new homeowners insurance policy is active and covers the necessary aspects (structure, belongings, liability, etc.). You may want to adjust coverage based on the final purchase price. Since you’re in the Houston area, check if you need flood insurance, depending on the area and flood zone status. It’s never a bad idea to carry it even in areas that don’t require it. Document the condition of your home and belongings for insurance purposes, and take photos of your furniture and any valuable items.

Prior Mortgage

If you sold a home during your move, your lender will refund all the money left in your escrow account approximately 15 to 30 business days after they receive the payoff funds. The lender will mail a package containing your original promissory note marked ‘PAID’ and other loan file documents. Retain these for future reference. They may also include a Release of Lien document. This document needs to be recorded with the County Clerk’s office to remove the lien of record. Your closing statement serves as a substitute Form 1099 for tax purposes.

Title Insurance

You will receive your Owner’s Title Policy within 90 days from the settlement date. If you do not, please contact us immediately. KEEP THE POLICY FOR YOUR RECORDS! Remember your policy is good for as long as you own the property and will continue to warrant your title after you sell.

Please make sure to keep your documents in a safe place, along with the survey used at closing. In the event you refinance or want to move to a new house, you will need these documents to expedite your closing. Your Escrow Officer gives you all of these documents at closing.

Appraisal

In most cases, your lender will provide you and your agent with an electronic copy of your appraisal. If your lender did not furnish you with a copy of your appraisal at closing, please contact them in writing or by telephone directly.Most appraisals are only kept on file for 90 days.

Home Warranty

If you negotiated the purchase a home warranty as part of your purchase, or if you purchased one on your own, be sure to keep the Warranty company’s contact information readily available. Home Warranty’s typically last one year, and can be renewed annually. Keep the name of the home warranty company, their phone number, and your confirmation or account number handy. The title company or your agent should have provided you with a copy of their brochure at closing.

Your Mortgage

Assuming you financed your new home, your first payment letter should be included in the set of documents given to you at closing. Please contact your lender if you have not received a coupon book within 30 days. Make sure you have set up a system for making your mortgage payments on time. Consider setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees. Confirm that you know who to contact if you have any questions about your mortgage.

Store your closing documents. Keep a copy of your closing paperwork, including the deed, title insurance policy, and loan documents, in a safe place. Keep records for tax time. Save any documents related to your home purchase (closing costs, mortgage interest, property taxes) for tax deductions. Consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re maximizing your savings.

Get to Know Your Home

Locate important features. Know where the main water shutoff valve, circuit breakers, and gas shutoff are in case of an emergency. Learn how to properly operate and maintain appliances that came with the home. Check the HVAC system. Make sure filters are clean and learn how to maintain your heating and cooling systems.

Establish a routine for servicing HVAC systems, cleaning gutters, changing air filters, and other regular maintenance tasks. Start budgeting for long-term maintenance needs such as roof repairs, repainting, or other capital expenditures.

Make it yours! Start decorating your new space to make it truly feel like home. Hang pictures, choose paint colors, and arrange furniture to your liking. If you have a yard, begin planning any landscaping changes to fit your style!

Meet Your Neighbors. Take time to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Building good relationships will help you feel more at home and can be beneficial for any future needs. Learn about local services. Get familiar with nearby schools, shopping, healthcare, and community services in your area.

Write a Review about Your Experience with Us

And finally… and this one is REALLY important!

I’d like to request a small favor – a testimonial that will give others a sense of the experience and service I offer.  Whether it’s a recommendation for a restaurant, a vacation spot or a real estate agent, I have always felt that the testimonial is a powerful indicator of excellence. I strive to provide such excellence with each and every home sale and purchase, and I sincerely hope that describes your experience with me.

This testimonial can be as short or as long as you like. It is valuable to my future business and, just as importantly, allows me to continuously improve upon the level of service I provide. I would sincerely appreciate it if you would use the links below to leave a review on one or all of our favorite social media websites.  Google and Facebook of course being the most important!

Google: http://bit.ly/apg-rvw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avenuepg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avenue-property-group
Instagram: Simply make a post, and tag us using the @avenuepg tag.

I sincerely appreciate your help and look forward to serving your needs for years to come.  

Final Thoughts:

After closing, there’s a lot to take care of, but with a little organization and planning, you’ll be settled into your new home in no time! This checklist will help ensure that your move is smooth and your new home is everything you hoped for. If you have any questions or need recommendations for contractors, utility providers, or services, feel free to reach out!

Would it be easier to have a printed copy of this, with a QUICK checklist? We’ve got you covered. Download a printable copy