One of my clients asked me today if there is a buyers checklist I can send him. I checked the forms, and other information we keep at the office expecting to find just what I was looking for. After some searching I found nothing! I informed my client that we don't have a checklist, but is a great idea and plan to develop one. While thinking of a number of things I put together some ideas to help when you purchase a new home what you need to do to avoid the "oh shoot" moment, and to develop my list!
1. Utilities - turn on new service and disconnect your old service for the day of closing. Propane - leased vs. owned tank? Who fills for you?
2. Trash - some trash companies are separate. What day is the pickup? Is a can provided?
3. Change locks.
4. Spray for pests.
5. Insurance - make sure you have insurance effective the day you close!
6. Steam clean carpeting - past owner may have had pets, stains, hairs, or stray toe nails!
7. Let the Post Office know your new address and have mail forwarded. Tell your bank, insurance carriers, accountant, family (well only if you want to), friends, etc you've moved.
8. Make a family emergency plan and meeting place!
9. Check home for potential hazards with respect to small children (ledges, stairs, electrical, sharp objects, etc).
10. Get toilet paper in the house ASAP - soap too!
11. Meet your neighbors and introduce yourself...I know it's old fashion and awkward but do it anyway! Trust me they are really nice...we hope! I tell you what if this does not go well let me know and I'll contact them for you to smooth things over!
12. Smoke detectors need to be in each bedroom, and on each living level! Great, they are already installed, put in new batteries!
13. Carbon monoxide detectors - needed if you have a garage, gas fueled furnace, or wood burning appliance. One on each living level minimum.
14. When was the last time your changed your washing machine supply hoses! I can tell you more than one horror story! You have to install them in the new house so buy some new stainless hoses, you'll be glad you did!
15. Compile a basic tool kit (hammer, duct tape, wrench, pliers, beer (did I type that?), uh, well this is awkward.
16. When is the last time you checked your first aid kit?
Listen, there are many important things here that a new home owner needs to go over. If you are not a new home owner and reading this what is your family emergency plan? What you don't have one?! Do it now, after all it tornado season here in south central MO!
Let me know if I forgot something, which I'm sure I did! Hit the "contact" button at the top of my page and let me know what I need to add to the list! Or for that matter if there is something else I can help with, let me know that too! -MLW
1. Utilities - turn on new service and disconnect your old service for the day of closing. Propane - leased vs. owned tank? Who fills for you?
2. Trash - some trash companies are separate. What day is the pickup? Is a can provided?
3. Change locks.
4. Spray for pests.
5. Insurance - make sure you have insurance effective the day you close!
6. Steam clean carpeting - past owner may have had pets, stains, hairs, or stray toe nails!
7. Let the Post Office know your new address and have mail forwarded. Tell your bank, insurance carriers, accountant, family (well only if you want to), friends, etc you've moved.
8. Make a family emergency plan and meeting place!
9. Check home for potential hazards with respect to small children (ledges, stairs, electrical, sharp objects, etc).
10. Get toilet paper in the house ASAP - soap too!
11. Meet your neighbors and introduce yourself...I know it's old fashion and awkward but do it anyway! Trust me they are really nice...we hope! I tell you what if this does not go well let me know and I'll contact them for you to smooth things over!
12. Smoke detectors need to be in each bedroom, and on each living level! Great, they are already installed, put in new batteries!
13. Carbon monoxide detectors - needed if you have a garage, gas fueled furnace, or wood burning appliance. One on each living level minimum.
14. When was the last time your changed your washing machine supply hoses! I can tell you more than one horror story! You have to install them in the new house so buy some new stainless hoses, you'll be glad you did!
15. Compile a basic tool kit (hammer, duct tape, wrench, pliers, beer (did I type that?), uh, well this is awkward.
16. When is the last time you checked your first aid kit?
Listen, there are many important things here that a new home owner needs to go over. If you are not a new home owner and reading this what is your family emergency plan? What you don't have one?! Do it now, after all it tornado season here in south central MO!
Let me know if I forgot something, which I'm sure I did! Hit the "contact" button at the top of my page and let me know what I need to add to the list! Or for that matter if there is something else I can help with, let me know that too! -MLW
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