Buying a new home is a nerve-wracking yet exciting process. Once you close the deal and have the keys in hand, you will feel a massive sense of relief. With that said, it is crucial not to get too complacent just yet. As a new homebuyer,  there are a few essential responsibilities before you sit back and relax and celebrate your new house. 

The following tips will set you up to be a happy and successful homeowner now and in the years ahead. 

Secure Your Home

Among the first things to do after buying a new home is to take care of some essential security-related tasks. Whether you call in a professional locksmith or do it yourself, changing all your locks should be your priority. You do not want the previous homeowners to have access to your house. Even if you are not concerned about them, you do not know the number of people who may have given the keys. 

This is one area where you are better off being safe than sorry, and the peace of mind it brings makes it well worth the little expense. Make sure not to forget to make a few spare keys should you get locked out.

Consider A Home Warranty

Buying a home warranty in addition to home insurance can prove to be well worth it sooner or later, especially in regards to maintenance concerns. While home insurance policies provide liability insurance and protect your home and belongings from unexpected perils like a house fire or theft, a home warranty plan covers the repair, replacement, and service of the home’s systems and appliances, from the water heater and furnace to and kitchen appliances. 

Accordingly, looking at some home warranty plans for homeowners in South Carolina can provide you with some additional peace of mind that you will not have to pay thousands of bucks in repairs or replacement for an appliance or home system.

Go Over the Inspection Report

Your home inspection report can serve as a helpful guide in helping you address any issues that you will have to tackle sooner or later. While you may not need to get everything fixed right away, it is still vital to prioritize each one from most to least urgent. 

Certain delays can turn a relatively minor problem into a much more significant one, which could ultimately cost you a fortune.

Locate all the Essentials

As you walk through your new home, consider learning how everything works and identify their locations. Locate the fuse box and circuit breaker box and check if the individual switches are labeled correctly. That could prove to be a lifesaver if there is an outage. 

Next, find the main water valve, so you know how to shut off the water, such as during a leakage. By doing your homework, you won’t be left scratching your head should there be an emergency.

Create a Maintenance Plan

Performing regular maintenance tasks is a vital aspect of any home, old or new. Making a list of recurring upkeep will preserve and enhance your home’s value while keeping all components in top-notch running condition.

That includes replacing HVAC filters every few months, emptying the water heater annually, cleaning the gutters, pressure washing the exterior, and replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Congratulations on making it through the lengthy process of acquiring and moving into a new home. While you may have unpacked and found your favorite spot to sit, it is important not to get swept up in the excitement as there are still a few things that stand in the way of fully settling into your new home. 

The above tips will prepare you for the rigors of owning a home and help maintain its condition while preventing you from jeopardizing your safety and financial security.