The First Five Things You Should Do When You Buy a Home

If you're a first-time homebuyer or just moved into a new home, congratulations. It's one of those exciting milestones in your life, but it's also a big responsibility. There are many things you need to do to get settled and make your new home feel like your own. Of course, you have your preferred order in which you like to do things, but here's our list of the five first tips for new homeowners to keep in mind. 

1. Do a Walkthrough of Your New Home

The first thing you should do when you buy a home is to do more than one walkthrough of the property even if you had a thorough home inspection. This is perhaps the best advice for new homeowners. This will help you become familiar with the layout of your new home and check for any potential repairs that need to be made or things you want to change. Ensure you have your home inspection report on-hand for reference when doing this.

Make sure to walk through every room of the house, including the attic and basement, if applicable. Take notes of paint colors or flooring you want to change, appliances in need of an upgrade, bathroom hardware in need of a swap, etc. If you have children or pets, be sure to walk through the yard as well and check for any potential hazards. This is a critical tip for new homeowners, so don’t skip it!

2. Set Up Your Utilities

Before you move in, call ahead to your utility companies. Let them know when you’re moving in and when you need everything set up. You don’t want to be moving furniture into your new house without electricity because you forgot to talk to the electric company.

This includes things like setting up your water, electricity, internet, trash, and recycling services. You don't want to find yourself without any of these necessary services when you move into your new home. If your home is part of a home owner’s association, find out the rules and regulations for setting up your utilities. This is a vital tip for new homeowners because you don't want to be fined for not following the rules.

3. Change Your Door Locks

Don't forget to change your locks when you move into your new home. This should be one of the first things you do when you move in. You never know who might have a key to the old place or how many copies of the key might be floating around. It's best to be safe and change your locks as soon as possible. New homes are also more vulnerable to burglary, considering that new homeowners are just settling in and don't know much about the neighborhood. 

If you know there might be people in and out for a while like contractors and movers, or if you just want to make sure your child doesn’t lose their key, consider keyless entry locks. Many offer temporary or multiple codes so you always have control over who has access to your home. This tip for new homeowners will save you lots of headaches and heartache down the road. And if you see anything or anyone suspicious, don't hesitate to call the police. Invest in high-quality deadbolts on all doors entering your home, and make sure you keep your spare keys in a safe place.

4. Update Your Bathroom Accessories

One of the best ways to make your new home feel like your own is updating the bathroom accessories. That doesn't mean you have to go out and buy a whole new set of towels, rugs, and toiletry holders. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint on the walls or a new shower curtain to give the bathroom a new look. If you're feeling ambitious, you could also update the light fixtures or install a new sink.

Other tips for new homeowners include:

• Adding bathroom fixtures like a new toilet seat or tap
• Adding a new bathroom vanity in the corner
• Updating accessory hardware like towel bars or tissue holders
• Adding a heated towel rack

The possibilities are endless, so take your time and find the perfect additions for your bathroom to make it feel like home. To make it feel cozier, don't forget to add a few personal touches, like some plants or your favorite scented candles.

5. Child/Pet-Proof Your Home If Necessary

If you have young kids and pets, you need to prioritize safety in your new home. Go ahead and child/pet-proof your home by blocking off any areas that are dangerous for little ones or pets, such as stairs, windows, and electrical outlets. It's also a good idea to keep harmful cleaning and gardening chemicals out of reach. Other safety tips for new homeowners with kids and pets include:

• Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Putting stair gates up at the top and bottom of stairs
• Buying a pet ID tag in case your pet gets lost
• Keeping cords out of reach to prevent electrical shock hazards
• Placing locks on cabinets that contain harmful chemicals
• Installing a fence around your yard to keep pets safe

Learn More at Door Locks Direct

There are more things you can do to get ready for your new home than just packing and unpacking. Make sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, get organized, and make any necessary repairs or updates before you move in. And of course, don't forget to stock up on supplies like toilet paper and soap.

For more tips for new homeowners on moving into a new home or how to choose the right door locks and security systems for your property, visit Door Locks Direct today. We have all the information you need to make your new home feel like a safe and secure place to live. Need the best advice for new homeowners about door hardware? Call us to learn more.