Buying a home in Boston is a process, but it doesn’t end when you’re holding keys to your new house. There are still things you need to do once you buy a home and you’re ready to move in.
While some of the things needing to be done are a bit of common sense, if you’re new to homeownership, some may be a bit of a surprise. Here’s a quick look at a few things you should do after buying a home in Boston.
Deep Clean
While most contracts will require the home to be broom-clean when you move in, it’s a good idea to deep clean the home before moving in. An empty house is far easier to clean than one filled with furniture. You can easily hire a service to do a full cleaning of your new home before you move in.
Re-Key the Locks
You’re the new owner and while it’s nice to have keys, you don’t know who else has a key to your house. You want to re-key the locks or replace the locks before you move in. If the home is a smart home or has smart locks, you may just need to change the access codes.
Make Copies and Store Important Documents
Signing a mortgage and closing on a home requires quite a bit of paperwork. Make sure you have copies of all important documents and keep them in a safe place.
File For a Residential Tax Exemption, if Eligible
You will want to file for a residential tax exemption if you qualify. This exemption will allow you to pay a smaller tax bill instead of for the entire year. You can find out about the requirements for a residential exemption here.
A few other things you may need to do after buying a home in Boston include:
- Have the utilities switched into your name
- Change your address with the USPS
- Change your address on your Driver’s License
- Meet the neighbors
Moving into a new home in Boston is exciting. Just make sure you know the things that need to be done before you move in, or you could be scrambling to get them done later.
