Tips For Planning Your Closing

While your closing is the last step in the purchase of your new home, it is also the first step for the next chapter in your life. Here are 5 things to plan around your closing so that you are ready for what comes next. 

Utilities

Don’t wait until closing day and assume that there will be utility service active at the new home when you get the keys. There could be an interruption in service as you don’t know when the previous owner may have closed their accounts. Set up utilities in advance of the closing and have new accounts begin on the day you take ownership so that there won’t be any issues.

Plan renovations

Most of the time the home is not going to be exactly the way that you want it. If you are planning on doing some work then don’t wait until after you close to make all of the arrangements. You can bring contractors to viewing appointments and even to your walkthrough so that you don’t lose much time getting things planned. 

Change all locks

You never know who has a key to the home. The previous owner’s friends, family, babysitters, contractors or anyone else could have a copy. It is a wise idea to change the locks after moving in and key all doors alike while you are at it.

Professional cleaners

Nothing is worse than showing up with movers and the home has not been cleaned. Always assume the worst and hire a company to do a deep cleaning so that you aren’t moving your furniture in and onto dirty floors. Even if the old owners did a cleaning as a courtesy it may not be thorough. 

Find a handyman

You may have hired cleaners and movers for the move, but when you are in and want to hang pictures, replace ceiling fans or the like then you might need a handyman. If you don’t know anyone already this can be a good ice breaker to ask the neighbors who they recommend while you meet them.