You Got the Keys! What Should You Do First?

You Got the Keys! What Should You Do First?

You got the keys.

Congratulations.

You are officially entering a completely different phase of the process.

You’re not the buyer anymore.

You’re the homeowner.

And somewhere between the excitement of opening that front door for the first time and figuring out where the boxes go, there are a few things you should take care of.

Don’t worry. You don’t have to do everything today.

But here’s a good place to start.

1. Change the Locks

This is one of the first things I’d recommend considering.

You don’t know who has copies of the existing keys.

Previous owners.

Family members.

Neighbors.

Contractors.

Pet sitters.

Who knows?

You don’t have to replace every lock immediately, but you should make sure you are comfortable with who has access to your home.

You may also want to consider rekeying instead of replacing the entire lock.

2. Find Your Main Shutoffs

Before you need them, know where they are.

Find:

  • Main water shutoff
  • Gas shutoff, if applicable
  • Electrical panel
  • Main electrical shutoff
  • Water heater shutoff
  • HVAC controls
  • Sump pump, if applicable

You don’t want to be searching for the water shutoff while water is pouring through the ceiling.

Find these things now.

3. Locate Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure you know where they are and that they’re functioning properly.

If something doesn’t seem right, address it.

Your local requirements and the home’s existing equipment may vary, so if you’re unsure about what is required, check with the appropriate local authority or qualified professional.

4. Find the Manuals and Warranty Information

Did the seller leave manuals?

Appliance information?

HVAC paperwork?

Roof information?

Warranty documents?

Put everything together.

You may not need it today.

You may be very happy you have it two years from now.

5. Take Pictures

This may sound silly when you’ve just bought the house.

Take pictures anyway.

Photograph:

  • Appliances
  • Mechanical systems
  • Utility meters
  • Electrical panel
  • Water heater
  • HVAC equipment
  • Any areas that may be useful to document
  • The condition of the home when you take possession

You don’t need to create a documentary.

Just create a record.

6. Find Out When the Trash and Recycling Are Picked Up

This is one of those very glamorous parts of homeownership.

😂

But you need to know.

Find out:

  • Trash day
  • Recycling day
  • Yard waste rules
  • Bulk pickup rules
  • Local restrictions

Your municipality is the best source for current information.

7. Transfer or Set Up Your Utilities

Depending on what was already arranged, make sure you know who’s responsible for:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Sewer
  • Internet
  • Other services

Don’t assume everything automatically transfers.

8. Check Your Mail

Make sure you know how your mail will be handled and update your address with the appropriate organizations.

That may include:

  • Banks
  • Credit cards
  • Insurance
  • Employer
  • Government agencies
  • Subscriptions
  • Medical providers
  • Other important accounts

9. Don’t Start Ten Projects at Once

This is a big one.

You just bought a house.

You are going to see approximately 147 things you want to change.

Resist the urge to do everything immediately.

Live in the house for a little while.

Learn how the rooms work.

Learn how the light changes throughout the day.

Figure out where you actually need storage.

See how you use the space.

Then decide what deserves your money first.

10. Make a “Later” List

Not everything needs to happen now.

Create three categories:

Now

Things that are necessary for safety, security or immediate function.

Soon

Things that will improve the home or make life easier.

Someday

The fun stuff.

Paint colors.

New countertops.

Landscaping.

That gorgeous bathroom you’ve been saving on Pinterest.

You have time.

11. Protect Your Important Documents

Keep your closing documents, mortgage information, insurance documents, warranties and other important records somewhere safe.

Create a digital backup if appropriate.

You don’t want to spend three hours looking for something important five years from now.

12. Meet Your House

This sounds strange.

But give yourself time to learn it.

Which room gets hot?

Where does water collect?

Which outlets work with which switches?

Where is the attic access?

Where are the filters?

What sounds are normal?

What does the HVAC system do?

Every house has its own personality.

You’re going to learn yours.

The First-Day Checklist

☐ Change or rekey locks

☐ Locate water and electrical shutoffs

☐ Locate gas shutoff if applicable

☐ Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

☐ Photograph important systems and appliances

☐ Gather manuals and warranties

☐ Confirm utilities

☐ Find trash and recycling schedules

☐ Update your address

☐ Secure important documents

☐ Make a list of future projects

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to turn your new home upside down on day one.

Start with safety, security, documentation and the things that make the house function.

Then breathe.

Look around.

Enjoy it.

You’re home.

Have a Question?

Buying a home comes with a lot of questions. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Have a question about something you read here? Want to talk through your situation? Or just not sure what your next step should be?

I’m happy to help.

Schedule a Time to Talk With Karyn

No pressure. No obligation. Just straight answers.

Prefer to just send me a question?