Real Insight : What To Expect When You're A New Homeowner
By NextHome Staff
January 30, 2017
January 30, 2017
Becoming a homeowner can sometimes feel overwhelming and the process may cause you to overlook some key chores. These recommendations come from the experiences that I’ve encountered with my clients over the years, and I hope they help you in the moving process. Good luck!CHECK IN WITH THE SELLERBefore the moving process begins, you may have questions about your new home and the sellers are most likely the best people to fill you in on some of the questions I’ve posed below. They’ll also be able to leave behind important information and documents, including manuals and service records for appliances and utilities.UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION One of the first things you might want to do is to go to notify everyone of your change of address. That way you will avoid missing any bills or important pieces of mail.Book an installation appointment with your cable, phone and internet providers to avoid any interruptions in your service. Once you inherit the keys, don’t forget to ask that they be labelled; it will help with not having to guess which key is for what. You also may want to change the locks for added peace of mind.
GET TO KNOW YOUR HOME Learn where to locate the shut-off valve, hoses, window screens, etc. Inherited an alarm system? Learn the code and how to arm and disarm it. Find out how to maintain a pool or hot tub, and don’t forget to check when garbage day is. After all, you’re going to have a lot of stuff you’ll need to get rid of. If you have pets, check the fence lines at your new home to make sure they’re secure.CAPITALIZE ON AN EMPTY SPACE After the sellers move out, you have an empty space to capitalize on. You may want to take advantage and give the place a thorough cleaning, or measure all rooms to ensure that your furniture can fit (don’t forget to measure the doorways). This might also be the perfect time to undergo any renovation projects you had in mind. From applying a fresh coat of paint, to installing hardwood, or undergoing a full kitchen makeover, you may not find a better time to accomplish these tasks.I hope these tips help you in your transition to your new home. If you have further questions about the moving process, talk to your Toronto Real Estate Board member realtor.
Larry Cerqua is president of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 45,000 professional realtor members in the Greater Toronto Area. You can contact him at TREBpres@trebnet.com. For updates on the real estate market, visit TREBHome.com. If commercial property is what interests you, contact a TREB realtor by visiting TREBCommercial.com.
GET TO KNOW YOUR HOME Learn where to locate the shut-off valve, hoses, window screens, etc. Inherited an alarm system? Learn the code and how to arm and disarm it. Find out how to maintain a pool or hot tub, and don’t forget to check when garbage day is. After all, you’re going to have a lot of stuff you’ll need to get rid of. If you have pets, check the fence lines at your new home to make sure they’re secure.CAPITALIZE ON AN EMPTY SPACE After the sellers move out, you have an empty space to capitalize on. You may want to take advantage and give the place a thorough cleaning, or measure all rooms to ensure that your furniture can fit (don’t forget to measure the doorways). This might also be the perfect time to undergo any renovation projects you had in mind. From applying a fresh coat of paint, to installing hardwood, or undergoing a full kitchen makeover, you may not find a better time to accomplish these tasks.I hope these tips help you in your transition to your new home. If you have further questions about the moving process, talk to your Toronto Real Estate Board member realtor.Larry Cerqua is president of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 45,000 professional realtor members in the Greater Toronto Area. You can contact him at TREBpres@trebnet.com. For updates on the real estate market, visit TREBHome.com. If commercial property is what interests you, contact a TREB realtor by visiting TREBCommercial.com.