Are you a new homeowner or planning to become one? If so, here is some advice from our experts on the first steps to take after you close on your new home:
File for homestead exemption
Homestead exemptions may be filed in person in the property appraiser’s office in which the property is located. Additionally, Homestead Tax Exemptions may also be filed online – please visit the website of the local property assessor to get started with an online filing.
Use this link for answers to Homestead Exemption frequently asked questions.
Complete a thorough walk-through
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
To help ensure you and your family are safe in your new home, make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition. This may include installing fresh batteries or replacing entire units. Smoke detectors should ideally be placed in a hallway leading to your bedrooms.
• Find the Circuit box, review emergency shut offs and appliance manuals.
It’s vital to understand how things work. One of the first things to do when you buy a house is to find the emergency shut-offs and the circuit-breaker box. If the box isn’t labeled, add labels to the individual circuits so you know which ones go to which room or appliance. Finally, gather up all the appliance manuals, so you know how everything works.
• Secure your home.
A home security system aims to protect your property and those inside it from burglary, home intrusion, fire, and other environmental disasters such as burst pipes. Professional monitoring services do this whether you’re aware of the problem or not, and they can also help in a medical emergency.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward homeownership, applications for our homeownership program are now open. You can click here to learn more and apply. If you need some help getting on the path toward owning a home, we also provide free HUD-approved housing counseling. You can learn more about that program here.
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