Puzzled on What to Do After Buying Your New Idaho Home? 

Confused at what to do after buying your new Idaho home? You've looked at properties, made an offer, obtained financing and gone to closing. The home is yours. Is there any more to the home buying process? Whether you're a first-time buyer or a repeat buyer, you'll want to take several more steps.

Store your settlement papers after buying a house

Those papers you received at settlement are extremely valuable, so hold on to them! In the short-term they can help establish tax deductions for the year in which the property was purchased. In the future such papers will be important for tax purposes when the property is sold, and in some cases, for calculating estate taxes.

Make Copies of your Closing Documents.

The first stop you make after closing should be your local copy shop. While all the documents are still together and in order, make at least one copy of everything.  Chances are that copies will also be filed with your county’s recorded of deeds, but all it takes is one clerical error for that safety net to vanish. Cover yourself and make the copies. (Oh, and if they gave you a check for surplus funds at closing you’ll probably want to deposit it while you’re running errands.)

Get a Safe Deposit Box and Put the Original Documents in it.

Keep your photocopies on hand at the house in case you need them in a pinch, but store the originals of your mortgage loan docs and your title certificate in a secure, off-site location. That means a safe deposit box at the bank, or on file with your attorney.

Assess the status of your utilities

Also at closing, determine the status of the utilities required by the home, items such as water, sewage, gas, electric and propane service. You want utility bills to be paid in full by owners as of closing, and you also want services transferred to your name for billing. Usually such transfers can be done without turning off utilities. Your Realtor can provide contact numbers and related information.

Moving in after buying your new Idaho home

It is generally understood that sellers will leave homes "broom clean" when moving out. This expression does not mean "vacuumed" or "spotless." Broom clean makes sense because it means the house is ready to be painted and cleaned.

Your home, your money

For most owners a home is the largest single asset they hold, so it makes sense to protect that asset.  Many owners make a photo or video record of the home and their possessions for insurance purposes and then keep the records in a safety deposit box. Your insurance provider can recommend what to photograph and how to secure it.

Hire A Pest Control Company

Contact your local pest control company to avoid or stop any pest problems that may exist.  Mice, ants, cockroaches and other bugs can get out of control quickly, leading to headaches, property damage and larger future extermination bills.

Change Your Address with the Idaho DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)

You must notify the Idaho DMV within 30 days of your move after buying your new Idaho home.  To change your address on your Idaho DMV records you will need to complete an 'Idaho Change of Address Request Form, that can be submitted by mail, fax, email, or in person.  This form will change your address on your DMV records only, you will need to visit your local Idaho DMV office in person for an updated Drivers License or ID Card.

Check With Your Auto Insurance

Insurance companies are picky about where you live, and prices do change from place to place.  If you're from out of state, your current auto insurance company may not cover your vehicle in another state.  Check with your auto insurance company for compliance.

Check and Clean the Gutters

Who knows how long it’s been since the previous owners did this dirty chore. But if leaves and other gunk are blocking the flow of rain, you could have problems such as water leaking into the house if you don’t keep them free flowing.

Hire A Fireplace Expert

Whether it’s a wood burning or gas fireplace, get a professional to check it out. With thumbs up from an expert, you can then enjoy cozy nights near the warmth of the fire. 

Change Furnace Filters

It’s best if you make sure to replace furnace and air conditioner filters every three months. There are lots of options out there when choosing air filters for different seasons. Choosing the right filter can not only save money by letting your furnace and air conditioner work more efficiently, but it also improves air quality, removes odors and even prevents growth of antimicrobial particulates.

Find The Main Water Shutoff

You never know when you will need to shut off the water because of a broken water pipe. So, find the shutoff and test it to see it is works.

Check the Temperature on the Water Heater.

You’ll want to check the temperature pretty early on during your first day in your house. Builders of new homes have a bad habit of turning water heaters to “vacation” mode just before closing. This saves their utility bills but will result in a cold surprise when you go to take a shower. The temperature dial on your water heater should have a tick mark at the best setting. You don’t have to turn it all the way to the hottest point unless you need near-boiling water at all times.

Change All Locks Inside and Out

You never know who the former owners gave a house key to. A locksmith can rekey your locks if they are expensive ones, and some stores can also rekey certain brand named locks, which can be done quite inexpensively.  You can also choose to get four digit keyless locks. That can be a great option especially with kids who lose their keys all the time anyways. Also, don’t forget to reset a garage door keypad from the outside of your garage. There are great instructions online on how to do it, or call a garage door company for assistance.

Cover The Windows

The former owners might have taken all the curtains and blinds with them. So before your neighbors get to know you real well because they can see through your windows, purchase coverings to give yourself some privacy.

Meet Your Neighbors and Others in the Community

You'll want to meet or greet with your new neighbors.  This can be hard for some, but you really should get to know your neighbors by introducing yourself.

Lastly, enjoy your home! Owning real estate involves contracts, loans, and taxes, but ultimately what's most important is that home ownership should be a wonderful experience after buying your new Idaho home.

It’s time to relax and enjoy the home of your dreams!