The Closing: How to Plan Ahead for the Big Day

The day you’ve looked forward to for so long is finally here – closing day! No matter if you are a first-time homeowner or if this is your third or fourth home, it’s always exciting to get that paperwork signed and the keys placed in your hand. The house hunt has finally come to a close, so to speak, and now you can focus on moving in, making this new house your home, and creating new memories!

With all of this excitement, there are a few things for you to think about before the big day. Consider some of these items before making the actual move. You’ll be thankful you did in the long run…

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✔️ Think about and plan any renovations you want to make in advance.

If you buy an existing home, there may be some renovations you want to make – whether just for aesthetics or for functionality. Even before the closing day comes, talk to a contractor about your ideas for your new home so that you have a better idea of what any changes will entail. Getting multiple bids is a great idea to help you find the right fit for you and your family.

Don’t know any contractors? Ask your realtor! Real estate agents work with a variety of people and companies and can be a great resource for you.

✔️ Get your utilities on the schedule.

It is not safe to assume that all of your utilities will be on when you move in. Call ahead and get a date scheduled to ensure that you are not without service on move-in day. And it’s not just about your electricity! Here are some others to contact as well:

• water
• cable and internet providers
• trash services
• check propane (if applicable)

✔️ Make a plan for deep cleaning.

It is also not safe to assume that your new house will be spotless when you move in. Plus, it’s always a good idea to do a deep cleaning even if it has had some TLC prior to your move-in date. If possible, try to do a thorough deep-cleaning before you move your items in. Consider hiring professionals to do this while you take care of packing up those last minutes items.

✔️ Get the locks changed.

There is no way to truly know who all has a key to your new house. The safest and smartest way to handle this is to get all locks replaced. Call a locksmith and make sure everything is safe and secure.

Once you are handed your new keys, get the locksmith on the calendar to get things changed over ASAP.

✔️ File a change of address form.

A couple of weeks before moving out of your old residence, request a change of address so that your mail will be forwarded to your new address. This will be important so that you don’t miss anything essential!

Call or visit your local post office and talk to them about this. Ask for a Mover’s Guide packet to help navigate this process.

✔️ Pace yourself when unpacking.

It’s incredibly exciting to move into your new home! But, it’s also important to remember to pace yourself. Don’t try to unpack everything at once. Unpack the essentials, take your time with everything else, and enjoy the process.

And…welcome home. 🙂

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Are you still looking for your dream home? There are some beautiful properties on the market right now, but they are selling fast! Give us a call at 417-777-3300 or visit our website to see what listings are out there for you.