So, you’ve signed on the dotted line and bought yourself a home. Congratulations! Now that the deal is done, you may be asking yourself, now what? And to be honest, it’s a fair question. You probably already know some of the basics you should take care of right away: cleaning, locks replacement, update your mailing address, etc. But, if you’re new to home ownership in Atlanta, you’ll quickly learn there is a lot of responsibility that comes with it, including keeping up with maintenance and it’s records.

Rather than stumble through the process of setting up house, here are the top 6 things you should do as soon as possible after you get the keys to your new place:

1. Make Copies of All Your Purchase Documents

You’ve signed and executed quite a few important documents. Be sure to store these in a safe, or a personal filing cabinet. It’s also a good idea to keep a digital copy in a secure place online, such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox.

2. Change the Locks/Update Keypads

You can also have them rekeyed if that’s easier. You may pay a few hundred bucks to make the change, but the cost is worth it. There’s really no way of knowing who has a key to any external door. Do this one right away. Any door or garage entry keypads should also be updated asap to your own access codes.

3. Start a Maintenance List

As you begin living in the home, you’ll start to notice things that need attention. Starting a home maintenance checklist is a great way to stay on top of things. Everything from HVAC air filter changes, to gutter cleaning, to window caulking; a maintenance list by season will help you keep track.

4. Check the Water Heater and Water Pressure

Make any preferred adjustments to the temperature and water pressure. If you need help, find a good plumber.

5. Review the Heating and Cooling System

If the system has not been serviced recently, you should get it done. Doing this maintenance will help to maximize the life of this expensive system. Change the filters while you’re at it.

6. Notify Contacts and Companies of Your Address Change

Alert the postal service of your new address. They’ll immediately begin forwarding your mail for one year. Next, your family and friends will want to know your new address right away, as will any entities that have a relationship with you. Remember to update your records with your work, financial institutions, utility and phone services, church, medical offices, insurance agent, and any other subscription services you utilize.

More Where That Came From

Truth be told, there’s a lot more that can be mentioned in this list. Things such as deep cleaning, painting, freshening walls and carpets, learning about your tax benefits as a homeowner, etc. You can get more insights from our pros here at DUFFY Realty because we are all about you making profit when you sell in the future.  Call us today to learn more: (678) 318-1700