Around 632,000 homes were sold in October 2022. The figure is significantly higher than the 588,000 homes sold in the previous mount. But it’s slightly lower than the 671,000 homes sold in October 2021.
The situation shows that many Americans take advantage of attractive mortgage financing conditions and low-interest rates. Despite the rising prices, there is still strong demand for housing in the market.
Moving into a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many things to do it can be hard to know where to start. Here is a list of essential tasks that should be done as soon as you move in.
Change the Locks
When moving into a new home, the first thing you should do is change all of the locks. This includes all doors, windows, and any exterior gates or garages. Even if the previous owners are trustworthy, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and keep your family safe by changing the locks right away. Plus, it’s easy to ensure that only you have access to your home. You can either install new locks yourself or hire a professional to do the job for you. Either way, it’s essential to ensure that you have complete control over who has access to your home.
When looking for locks to use, you should find products that are high quality and offer maximum security. It’s best to invest in the highest-grade locks, preferably with a deadbolt, so you know your home is secured. Additionally, consider adding some alarm system or camera surveillance system to give yourself extra peace of mind. You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your family.
Check for Pests
The last thing anyone wants is unwelcome guests in their new home! Before settling in, take some time to inspect your property for any signs of pests such as rats and mice or insects like cockroaches and ants. If you find any evidence of an infestation, contact an exterminator as soon as possible to get rid of them before they become a major problem.
You should also remove any furniture left behind by the previous owner. The furniture may introduce new pests or be a breeding ground for existing ones. It would help if you worked with reliable house-clearance experts to facilitate the removal of the furniture. The professionals should have experience ensuring the proper removal and disposal of unused household items.
Finally, contact a local pest control company for regular preventive treatments. This will help keep your house free of pests and ensure you and your family can enjoy your new property without worry.
Make Sure Everything Works Properly
Once you’ve checked for pests, it’s time to ensure your appliances are working properly. Test out everything from the refrigerator and dishwasher to the stove and washing machine, so necessary repairs can be made before they become bigger issues. It’s also important to check that all lights work properly, including testing all light switches in each room and outdoor lights around your property, if applicable.
It’s also a good idea to test each smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Doing all these things will help ensure your safety and that everything is in working order. You should also make sure the HVAC equipment is working. It’s essential to have the filter replaced, and the system serviced. This will help you keep your energy bills low, extend the unit’s life, and ensure it works properly.
It doesn’t hurt to take a look at your roof too. If there are any visible signs of wear or deterioration, ensure to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage and keep your home safe from the elements, such as water or wind damage.
Change Your Address
Once everything else is taken care of, make sure to update your address with the post office so that all mail gets sent correctly from now on. You’ll also need to update your address with banks, insurance companies, doctor’s offices, etc., so remember those too! This will help ensure that important documents or letters are kept from transit during your move. Additionally, many online services may require updating your billing address to keep receiving their services if you’ve moved within your state and area code. Make sure you double-check everything! All companies and organizations that need your new address must have it on file so that any vital information can continue being sent without interruption. That’s it! Now that you’ve got all the moving steps out of the way, you can sit back and enjoy your new home.
Moving into a new home can be an exciting yet daunting experience; there’s so much to do! But with this handy checklist, you’ll feel confident knowing that all the essentials are taken care of immediately. Once these tasks are complete and you’ve updated your address with key organizations and individuals, you can focus on getting settled into your new space without worrying about anything else.
