New Home To-Do List

If you are a new homeowner, congratulations! The purchase of your new home is an exciting and sometimes stressful time; however, there are steps you can take to ensure that the process will run smoothly. Read on for CB&S Bank's New Home To-Do List:

1. Create a List—Moving into a new home can become overwhelming. Create a list of things to do to help you stay focused and calm.
2. Create a Homeowners Log—It may be a good idea to create a log as soon as you move in. Try to keep up with any repair receipts, insurance, and anything else you may obtain that is related to your new house. Keeping up with all of your house information can make it easier on you, as the homeowner, if you ever need to refer back to any documents and can also be a bonus to any future homeowners if you ever choose to sell your home.
3. Examine Your Home Warranty—If you receive a home warranty, it may be beneficial to examine it. Review your home warranty so you will know exactly what is covered.
4. Find Your Water Shutoff Valve and Circuit Box—It's important to know where these items are in case of an emergency... Do yourself a favor; go ahead, and locate them before you have to.
5. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and HVAC System—Be sure to locate your smoke, carbon monoxide detectors, and HVAC system in your new home... It is important that you know where they are located and that they are working properly.
6. Check Crawlspaces and Attics—Go ahead and check your new crawlspace and/or attic. Be sure to look for bugs, leaks, and anything else that may need your immediate attention.
7. Check Out Home Security Options—Moving into a new home may be a good time to check out different home security options. If you already have a home security system in place that you like or are tied to a contract with a company, be sure to contact them and alert them of your move.
8. Remember Your Utilities—Go ahead and try to have your utilities set up prior to your move-in day—This includes your water, gas, electricity, heating and cooling, phone, and internet.
9. Remember to Change Your Address—If you haven't already begun changing your address, now is the time to do so. Be sure to update your address with your bank, insurance company, on your driver's license, subscription services, and go ahead and forward your mail to your new address.
10. Be Sure to Change Your Locks—You never know who all may have a key to the house you're purchasing. Err on the safe side and make changing your locks a priority when you move into your new house.
11. Do Not Forget Your Important Documents—Be sure to go through all of your documents before your move... Shred anything that you no longer need but be sure to keep all of your important documents safe and organized (birth certificates, insurance policies, Social Security cards, medical and financial records).