As we usher in 2017 some of you are moving into your new home or considering purchasing a new house in the coming year. Here is some good avice that should be taken care of prior to settling in. At Gulf Coast International Properties we have referrals in all of these areas based on years of customer/clientel possitive feedback.
Committing to a Final Walk Through
As eager as you may be to finally move in after weeks of paperwork and waiting, completing a final walk thru with your REALTOR® and/or inspectors is beneficial. This is the time to make sure all of the requested updates and repairs have been corrected prior to signing the final binding paperwork. Have your inspector ready to make any last minute notes or perform any additional tests to confirm the state of the home.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Homeowner's Insurance
Prior to closing on your new home, it is often required to provide proof of homeowner's insurance. As a new homeowner, it is your responsibility to do your due diligence in researching insurance companies and selecting the best fit for our needs. Be sure to consider different coverage and research terms, such as "replacement cost," "actual cash value," and "depreciation" to help you better understand what you are paying for.
Prior to closing on your new home, it is often required to provide proof of homeowner's insurance. As a new homeowner, it is your responsibility to do your due diligence in researching insurance companies and selecting the best fit for our needs. Be sure to consider different coverage and research terms, such as "replacement cost," "actual cash value," and "depreciation" to help you better understand what you are paying for.
Consider A Home Warranty
While homeowner's insurance covers many catastrophic events, what happens if your furnace goes out or you have a power surge off-premises that kills your refrigerator? This type of coverage steps in at times like these to help cover losses that are not otherwise covered by homeowner's insurance. A home warranty can be a lifesaver when it comes to issues that are not detected at the time of purchase or during the walk-through.
Complete Renovations Prior to Moving in
Do you really despise that carpet in the family room? Would you prefer to paint the walls in the bedroom? If so, it is best to complete any renovations or household repairs prior to moving in. It becomes much more difficult to make these changes when there are people, furniture and belongings in the way. accordingly.
Switch the Utilities to Your Name
If your new home had previous residents, it would be beneficial to consider changing the utilities over into your name immediately. Some utility companies require a security deposit that will be refunded later after making payments on time. Other companies charge additional fees if services are turned off by the previous owners and then must be turned back on.
Change Your Mailing Address
One of the most simple, yet overlooked tasks in new home ownership is the process of contacting the post office to have all mail forwarded to your new address.
Moving into a new home can be very hectic and exciting at the same time. By making a checklist of items to complete prior to settling into your new home you can rest easy in knowing that you are prepared for this new journey. This article was posted by author Mikkie Mills December 23, 2016.
Warmest Regards,
Kevin Aizenshtat
Realtor