Welcome Home! Month 1 Tips for New Homeowners - Copy
Welcome Home! Month 1 Tips for New Homeowners
Your first 30 days made easy – brought to you by Khris Hamlin Real Estate, LLC powered by Samson Properties
Becoming a homeowner is one of life’s biggest accomplishments—and your journey is just beginning! Now that you’ve closed and gotten the keys, there are some essential steps every new homeowner should take to get settled, stay secure, and set up for long-term success. In this blog, we’ll cover the most important things to do in your first month of homeownership and give you the resources you need to thrive.
1. Change Locks and Garage Codes
One of the first things to take care of is home security. Even if the previous owners turned in all the keys, you don’t know how many copies are out there. It’s smart to update:
Garage door keypad codes
Locks on any back doors, side entries, or basement access
Consider installing a smart lock system that allows code access and mobile control. It adds convenience and peace of mind.
2. Update Your Address with All Key Contacts
Make sure your new address is on file with all necessary agencies, services, and contacts. Start with:
USPS: Submit an official address change at https://moversguide.usps.com
DMV: Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration
Banks and Credit Cards: Ensure billing and statement addresses are correct
Employers and payroll services
Bonus Tip: Use a tool like Updater.com to simplify the process.
3. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage
You likely set up homeowners insurance during closing—but now is a good time to double-check that it meets your needs. Review:
Personal property coverage (especially for valuables)
Water and sewer backup protection
Deductible levels
Riders for jewelry, electronics, or collectibles
Need a trusted insurance partner? Our team is happy to connect you with vetted local providers.
4. Set Up Your Homeowner Binder or Digital Tracker
Start building a centralized space to keep track of everything related to your home. Your binder or folder should include:
Closing docs and warranty paperwork
Appliance manuals and receipts
Contact list of contractors and vendors
Maintenance records (start tracking now!)
Digital options like Google Drive or Dropbox also work great for staying organized.
5. Find Critical Home Systems
Walk through your home and locate key systems:
Main water shutoff valve
Circuit breaker panel
Furnace and air filters
Attic or crawlspace access
Knowing where everything is (and how it works) can save you time and money in the future.
6. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Even in your first month, it’s not too early to plan for your first maintenance cycle. A few items to prioritize:
Gutter cleaning
HVAC servicing (spring or fall)
Dryer vent cleaning
Lawn care or pest prevention
Our vendor network includes trusted professionals for all these tasks—just reach out if you need a referral.
7. Resources Every New Homeowner Should Have
Task
Resource Link
Home Maintenance Calendar
Coming next month in your homeowner email series!
Partner with Us for Long-Term Success
At Khris Hamlin Real Estate, LLC, we’re here for every chapter of your homeownership journey. From your first maintenance checklist to your future move-up plan, we’ll be your real estate team for life.
Need help?
📞240-259-1191
🌐 www.khrishamlinrealestate.com
Stay tuned for Month 2: We’ll help you plan your first-year budget, home care calendar, and share tips to get the most value from your investment.
