Finding a house that you love can be quite an undertaking. You may have been searching for a while, but when you finally find it, it’s extremely exciting. However, even after you find “the one,” you must go through things such as inspections, disclosures, and other reports. And even after these things, there is still more to do. When you’re about to close on a home here are 5 things to consider doing both before and after.
- Set up your electric and other utilities.
It would be wonderful if you could walk into a property after closing and have electricity, gas, water, and the like. And while a lot of utility companies allow for grace periods (assuming your property was previously lived-in), this isn’t true for every single one. Therefore, it’s important that you establish when your utilities will be turned on. Be sure to set this up with each of your utility companies. The last thing you want to be after closing is without power. To be safe, you may want to set things up before closing on the house.
- Change all of the locks.
This may seem strange – especially if your house is new construction – but it’s smart to assume that other people have a set of keys to your house. There were a lot of people in and out of the house during the sales process; everyone from stagers to painters, to agents. Therefore, it’s best to set up an appointment with a locksmith and have all of the locks changed – just to be safe.
- Hire a professional cleaning company.
Just because you’ve closed on a house doesn’t mean that it will be clean when you move in. Therefore, hiring a professional cleaning company to come out right after closing. In the event that the seller also had it cleaned, it will only be even cleaner. Once you move in you won’t have the same access to all of the surfaces.
- Plan for any renovations.
Before closing on your house you likely have a good idea of what needs to be renovated. That’s why it can be greatly beneficial to have contractors come to the home with you during the final walkthrough to provide bids on the work that you’re looking to have done. If you are looking for things with the floor, the walls, or other small work, it’s best to consider having it done before you move in. If you’re looking for a good contractor, your real estate agent may be a good place to get referrals.
- Have a reliable contractor on call for small things.
Things such as hanging pictures high up or properly aligning your furniture can be a big headache when you have a lot to worry about. If you put a hole in the wall when trying to hang a picture or chip the paint in your bedroom, having someone available to help you for a couple of hundred bucks can make things much smoother.
PALUMBO LAW Helps Those in Rhode Island with their Real Estate Needs
The process of closing on a real estate property can be really confusing and very detailed. This is why it’s so helpful to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Rhode Island real estate attorney who knows the in’s and out’s of the closing process.
At PALUMBO LAW, our experienced Rhode Island Real Estate lawyers will walk our clients through the entire closing process. We have experience and proper contacts to ensure that you are paying an appropriate amount and are receiving a safe property as promised. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call us today!
