There’s a lot to think about when you close on your dream home. You may be excited to start moving in and making it your own, but it’s important to take some time and do things the right way. Otherwise, you could run into some serious problems down the road.
In this article, we’ll go over the complete guide of what not to do after closing on a house. By following our advice, you’ll be able to avoid any headaches and get settled into your new home without any issues!
What Not to Do After Closing on a House?
Don’t Do Anything to Compromise Your Credit Score
It is also important to always make your payments on time and for the full amount. If you do not, it could lower your credit score. [1]
Don’t Make Any Major Changes to the Property Without Permission
Making any significant changes to the home or property without permission from the lender, city officials, or neighbours can be a huge mistake.
Be sure to get all necessary permits for any changes you plan on making and complete them in accordance with the local regulations.
Don’t Change Jobs or Move
Do not change your job or address while you are trying to buy a house. If you do, it might make the process take longer or stop it altogether. Be patient and wait until after you have bought the house to make any changes.
Don’t Forget to Get Insurance
Once you buy a house, you need to make sure it is covered with the right insurance. Make sure the property and all its features are insured, including any additional structures like fences or sheds.
Don’t Neglect to Inspect
This is the best way to make sure that you do not have to pay for any repairs in the future. [1]
Don’t Charge Any Big Purchases
You should avoid using your credit card to pay for big purchases like furniture or appliances. This could make you owe more money and make it harder for you to get a mortgage in the future. It is best to wait until after you close on a house before making any large purchases.
Don’t Forget to Change the Locks
It is important to change the locks on your new home after you move in. This is because you do not want people who have keys to your old home to be able to get into your new one. It is a good idea to ask a professional locksmith to help you with this so that it is done correctly and safely.
Don’t Get Carried Away with Renovations
Now that you are a homeowner, it is important to start budgeting for the future. Keep track of all your expenses by writing them down or using a computer program. This will help ensure that you have enough money saved up to pay for any renovations or repairs that you might need later on.
Don’t Forget to Tie Up Loose Ends
Don’t forget to tie up any loose ends before you close on a house.
Check that the title insurance is in order, and make sure all fees are paid in full. Once everything is complete, you can finally start enjoying your new home!
Don’t Refinance
It is a good idea to avoid refinancing your home right away. Refinancing can be expensive and it could mean taking on more debt. Instead, wait until you have been living in the house for a few months or even years before considering refinancing it.
Don’t Forget to Set Up Autopay
Setting up autopay for your mortgage and other bills is an easy way to make sure that you always pay on time. This can help you avoid late fees, which can add up quickly. Setting up autopay will also save you the hassle of having to remember to manually make payments every month.
Don’t Skip Documenting the Condition of the House
It is important to write down or take pictures of anything that is not working in the house when you move in. This way, if something is not working later, you can show that it was like that when you moved in and it is not your fault. [2]
Don’t Necessarily Start Renovating
Unless something is essential, try to avoid starting any big renovations right away. It can be tempting to start changing things around immediately, but if you don’t have the budget for it, then it could create more problems than solutions. Wait until you get comfortable in your new home before making any major changes.
Don’t Ignore Your Neighbours
A good homeowner gets to know the people who live near them. You should say hello and ask if there are any activities or services that you can do together. Doing this will help create a sense of community and make your home feel more welcoming.
Don’t Sleep on Home Maintenance
Checking and cleaning your home regularly will help make sure it stays in good condition for a long time. This can save you money in the future by avoiding expensive repairs or replacements later on.
Don’t Leave the Windows Bare
After you finish buying a house, it is important to make sure all the windows have curtains or blinds. If you don’t, bad things could happen. People might be able to see inside your house and know what you have. They could also break in and steal things. Insects might also come inside through the windows. [2]
Things to Do After Closing
While there are many things that you should not do after closing on a house, there are also some things that you should. It is important to remember to register to vote in the new district and get your car registered as well.
You should also make sure all of your mail is forwarded and change your address with any services that need it. Finally, you should make sure to update your insurance policies with your new address.
FAQ
What should you not do when closing?
When you are finishing buying a house, make sure that all the paperwork is signed and sent. It is also a good idea to document the condition of the house when you move in, in case anything changes.
What should I do after closing on a house?
After you finish buying a house, you should register to vote in the new district and get your car registered as well. You should also make sure all of your mail is forwarded and change your address with any services that need it. Finally, update your insurance policies with the new address.
Should I refinance after closing?
It is not usually a good idea to refinance right away. Refinancing can be expensive and it could mean taking on more debt. Instead, wait until you have been living in the house for a few months or even years before considering refinancing it.
What should I do with the windows after closing?
After you finish buying a house, it is important to make sure all the windows have curtains or blinds. This will protect your privacy and keep insects out of the house. It will also help make your home look more inviting to visitors.
Who gives me the keys to my new house?
The keys to your new house should be given to you by the seller or real estate agent after closing. Make sure that all locks are changed so that only you and approved people have access to the house.
How soon after closing do I get the keys?
The keys to your new house should be given to you immediately after closing. If they are not, then make sure to contact the seller or real estate agent and ask for them as soon as possible.
How long after you buy a house can you move in?
You can usually move into your new house as soon as all the paperwork has been signed and sent. This could be a few days or even weeks after closing, depending on how quickly everything is processed.
Is it OK to change locks after closing?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to change the locks after closing. This will help ensure that only you and approved people have access to the house.
Why is it important to check and clean your home after closing?
It is important to check and clean your home after closing. This will help keep the house in good condition and avoid expensive repairs later on. Checking regularly can also help catch any potential problems early, so they can be dealt with before they become bigger issues.
When should I review my closing documents?
It is important to review all of your closing documents as soon as possible after signing them. This will help you understand what you are agreeing to and make sure that everything is correct. You should also keep a record of all the documents in case there are any questions or issues later on.
What is the next step after closing?
After you finish all the paperwork for buying the home and get the keys, you can move in. But first, check that everything is in good shape and fix anything that needs to be fixed. Also, register to vote in the new area and update your car’s registration. And don’t forget to change your address for your insurance policies.
Why is it important to pay attention to the details?
It is very important to pay close attention to all the details when buying a house. This includes understanding what you are signing and reading over all of your closing documents.
Missing even one detail could cost you time, money, or even your home in the long run. Paying attention to the details now can save you a lot of hassle in the future.
How often should I check in on my new house?
It is important to check your new house often. Make sure everything is running smoothly. This includes looking for things that need to be fixed, like a broken pipe or leaky roof.
It is also a good idea to look for pests or other animals that you do not want in your house. Checking often will help keep your house in good shape for a long time.
How can I be sure I am protected after closing?
It is important to make sure you are protected when buying a house. Make sure that all the paperwork is complete and correct before signing it. You should also check with your lawyer or real estate agent for any additional steps to take for protection. Finally, keep all documents related to your purchase in a secure place.
Do I need to take any other steps after closing?
There are some things you need to do after closing on your home. Make sure to change your address with the post office and other companies. Find the police station or fire department that is closest to your new home and register your house there, in case there is ever an emergency. And get homeowner’s insurance to protect your house and everything inside it.
Does anything else need to be done after closing on a home?
Yes, there are some other things you should do either right away or soon after closing. Make sure all utilities are set up and working properly. You should also check that the property taxes and any fees associated with the house have been paid in full.
Finally, take time to get to know the neighbourhood by walking around and introducing yourself to your new neighbours.
Why is it important to be prepared for closing?
It is important to be ready when you buy a house. Make sure you understand all the papers that are involved in the process, and have them ready before closing.
Knowing what will happen will help make everything go smoothly and ensure that you get the best deal possible. Being organised and having all the necessary documents ready will also help make things go faster.
Can I make any changes to the house after closing?
Yes, you can make changes to your house after closing. However, it is important to understand that some of these changes may require permits and other paperwork.
Before starting any major renovations or modifications, check with your local planning department for any regulations or restrictions in place. Following the rules will help ensure that you do not end up with a costly mistake.
When do I need to start paying my mortgage?
You will usually start paying your mortgage within a month after closing. Most lenders will send you information on when and how much to pay, as well as the process for setting up automatic payments.
It is important to make sure that you stay on top of your payments, so that you don’t end up with late fees or foreclosure.
How do I protect my property after closing?
There are some things you can do to keep your house safe after you sell it. Make sure that all of the locks and security systems are working. Install motion lights or cameras around the outside of the house. Contact your local police station for any other safety tips they have for people who live in your neighbourhood. Finally, make a list of all of your belongings and keep it in a safe place.
Useful Video: 7 Things NOT To Do After closing on a house
Conclusion
After all of the hard work you’ve put into finding and then closing on your dream home, the last thing you want to do is make a misstep that could jeopardize your purchase. Keep these things in mind as you finalise the purchase of your new home and avoid any stressful surprises down the road.
Do you have any questions about what not to do after closing on a house? Our experts are here to help answer any burning questions you may have.
References
- https://orchard.com/blog/posts/what-not-to-do-after-closing-on-a-house
- https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-what-not-to-do-after-closing-on-a-house/