So now that you’ve gone through the process of buying a home, what’s next? Well, you’re not quite finished yet. There are still some planning and costs to consider at this point. Here’s a quick guide to what you should expect after your home purchase:
Moving
This will be the most important part of getting into the new home, of course. Making sure you are organized will be your saving grace in the end. Ensure you have plenty of boxes and packing supplies (you’ll want to budget for that as well).
You will also want to consider if you want to move on your own, or hire professional movers. If you desire to hire pros, you’ll want to account for that in your budgeting also.
Changing the locks
This is a smart thing to do, though often overlooked. It’s obviously a precaution for security reasons.
Cleaning
Whether you decide to clean the place yourself or hire professional cleaners, account for the time and money associated with getting this done. Even though the home will be clean when you move in, it’s probably a good idea to thoroughly clean the home again just to be sure.
Decorating/Appliances
You may be moving in with all of your decor, furniture and appliances ready to go, but if not, make sure you plan a realistic budget around these items. If your home came with appliances, how new are they? What’s the probability they need to be replaced relatively soon? All things to think about when creating a budget for moving.
Tools and equipment
Once you’re all settled into your new home, think about recurring repair costs that will come up. Make sure you have yourself a good tool kit on hand for everyday repairs and up-keep.
