What Not To Do After Closing on A House

5 Tips

You've finally closed on your home and can breathe a sigh of relief. But what comes next? Here's what not to do after closing on your home:

• Don't make major changes until you've lived there a year. Most professionals recommend one year. And let’s face it, you just moved which is stressful enough. Do you really want to live in a construction zone? Probably not. Home renovation is a huge undertaking. It's messy, it's stressful, and it always seems to cost more than you expected. So why put yourself through that. Allow yourself to settle in and enjoy your space. Get to know your house and learn what works … and what doesn’t ... because you never really know a house until you live in it for a while. Every home has it’s own quirks so learn what they are before you commit to any major changes. As you live in your home, you’ll start to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. By living in your house first, you can avoid making any big mistakes when you do finally renovate.
• Don't be late with your payments. So while it's understandable to feel relieved after closing on your home, make sure not to let your guard down entirely. When you bought your house you made a promise to pay … called a Promissory Note. I will make my monthly payment on the 1st day of each month. Pay it on time so you don’t incur late fees, or get reported by your lender to the credit bureaus and take a hit on your credit score. Even one late payment can negatively affect your credit score for up to three years.
• Don't forget to pay your taxes. Michigan property taxes are billed twice annually. Once in the summer inJuly, and once in winter in December. You are responsible for paying your current and future property taxes. Paying your property taxes will help you keep your home and avoid foreclosure.
• As any new homeowner knows, there are a lot of things to keep track of when you first move in. Between unpacking boxes and learning your way around the neighborhood, it can be easy to forget some of the more practical aspects of homeownership – like setting up your garbage service. If you want to stay friends with your neighbors, don’t let your garbage pile up in the front yard, especially after you’ve just moved in and make the neighborhood look bad. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also attract pests and other nuisances. So when you’re setting up your new home, don’t forget to add garbage service to your to-do list. 
• Don't forget to change your address with the Post Office and Secretary of State. If you fail to report a change of address, it’s a civil infraction and your license could get revoked or suspended. If you are local and moving, you can change your address online at the Secretary of State’s website. If you are moving from out-of-state, you will physically have to go into the Secretary of State office to get new driver's license and plates. For new residents this must be done ASAP. There is no grace period.

If you found this article interesting, you’ll want to check out this video next:  You Bought a House, Now What. 

As always, I'm here to guide you through the buying, selling, and relocating process.  Please reach out and schedule a free consultation meeting at www.calendly.com/janiceallen