• Mortgage Rates
  • Home Buyer Tips
  • Home Seller Tips
  • Real Estate
  • Around The Home

Michael Inkman

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

  • Home
  • About
    • About Michael
    • Testimonials
  • Types of Loans
  • Mortgage Info
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
    • Get Pre-Approved Now!
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Contact

5 First Steps For New Homeowners

January 3, 2019 by Michael Inkman

5 First Steps For New HomeownersAs a new homeowner, now is the time to take control and organize your house for safety and security. The following first five steps should be carried out in the first few weeks if possible.

1. Change The Locks

There’s no way of knowing if the previous owners gave copies of the house keys to a friend, neighbor or cleaning staff. The very first thing you should do when you take ownership is to re-key the locks on all the doors, including the garage and any outbuildings there may be on the property.

Alternatively, you can install brand new locks. Either way, a locksmith can take care of this for you.

2.  Locate Shut-Off Valves

Don’t wait until a water leak to run around searching for the main shut-off valve. Instead, take a few minutes to locate all the shut-off valves for your new home. Write down their locations and post the list next to your circuit breaker.

3. Label The Circuit Breaker Switches

As the new homeowner, you’ll want to know what each circuit breaker switch controls. Work with a family member to methodically go through and flip each switch off and on to figure out the controls. Then carefully label each switch so you never have to guess again.

4. Place Fire Extinguishers

Be ready for a small fire emergency by placing fire extinguishers in each room of your new home. For the kitchen and garage especially, be sure to purchase the correct type of fire extinguisher. The labels on the extinguishers will guide your decision. Even bedrooms could have at least a small extinguisher handy, in case of an electrical malfunction. 

5. Survey The Land

It pays to walk the land around your property to visually survey it. You’ll want to know about potential issues, such as poison ivy growth or a broken fence panel. You might also find some happy surprises like a hidden rosebush or a nest of birds.

Taking the time to do these five steps will assist in making your new home more enjoyable for your family. They will also help you to familiarize yourself better with your new property. 

If you are in the market for a new home or interested in refinancing your current property, be sure to contact your trusted mortgage professional.

Real Estate Tagged: Home Security, New Home, Real Estate

Michael Inkman

Contact Michael


michael@michaelinkman.com
Mobile: (214) 762-4659
NMLS #152707
FIMC
Company NMLS #2289

Browse articles by category

Connect with Me

Sign Up for My FREE e-newsletter!

Let’s Keep In Touch!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Categories

Archives

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us
Texas Consumer Complaint and
Recovery Fund Notice

Third Party FIMC: bestmortgageblog.com
Equal Housing Opp
Company NMLS #2289
For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Complaints may be directed to: (877) 699-0353 or Email us: customerservice@fairwaymc.com.
The content on this website is written by Michael and reflects his opinion, and not the opinion of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
1800 Golden Trail Court
Carrollton, TX 75010

Copyright © 2023 Michael Inkman  ·  All rights reserved   ·   Log In