First-Time Homeowner Tips: What to Do After You Move In

Blog posted On July 24, 2025

If you’ve just purchased your first home, congratulations! You’ve signed the closing papers, you’ve moved all your boxes and furniture inside, you’ve got your keys, and maybe you’ve already been living there for a few months. But…now what? Perhaps you’re wondering what a first-time homeowner needs to know after they’ve moved in. Maybe you’re worried about taking care of your home without a landlord and their maintenance crew helping out. If you live in an area that experiences all four seasons, how can you properly maintain your home throughout the year? Well, never fear! We’re here with tips and tricks to help you obtain your sea legs as a savvy homeowner.

What to Do IMMEDIATELY After Moving In

If the ink is still drying on your closing contract, you’ve just moved into your new home. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as a fresh homeowner.

• Update utilities, services, and deliveries
• Change the locks and secure your home (i.e. garage codes, security systems)
• Hire carpet cleaners
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Find your circuit box and emergency shut-offs
• Replace air filters
• Create a regular maintenance schedule

Scam Alert! Beware of Spam Letters and Solicitation

It’s so exciting moving into a new home! However, scammers are always trying to rain on your homeownership parade. They’re depending on the fact that you’re an overwhelmed new homeowner tired of paperwork and want to trip you up, either with official-looking letters or emails. If you receive anything like the below items, you’ll want to reach out immediately to your loan officer or real estate agent. They’ll be able to tell you right away if it’s legitimate or a scam. Trust your gut instinct and don’t give away any of your information before you talk to your trusted loan professionals!

• Fake title insurance invoices
• Fraudulent homeowners insurance documents
• Home warranty scams
• Fake copies of your deed

Seasonal Tips & Tricks for Your 1^st Year

Now that we’ve gotten all the initial first steps out of the way, let’s discuss exterior and interior home maintenance, which will change depending on hot or cold weather.

• Upgrade Your Cooling System
  • Replace air filters
  • Clear debris from outdoor units
  • Schedule an HVAC check-up to boost efficiency
• Seal in the Cool (Summer)
  • Check for drafts around windows and doors
  • Use blackout curtains or reflective shades to block heat
  • Add weather stripping if needed
• Seal in the Heat (Winter)
  • Stop leaks around doors with foam or weatherstripping
  • Add storm doors to exterior doors you open frequently
  • Replace or add caulk outside to windows, door frames, or any place where heat is escaping
• Pest Patrol
  • Eliminate standing water
  • Seal gaps in siding or screens
  • Check for any trails, wasp nests, or termite signs

• Extreme Weather Prep
  • Secure loose shingles, shutters, and gutters
  • Prune back branches and cut down dead trees near your home
  • Reinforce doors and windows against strong winds

Now What? Relax and Enjoy Life as a New Homeowner!

Now that you’re clued into homeownership tips and taken care of urgent tasks, you can sit down and be proud of how far you’ve come. You worked hard for this big milestone, so you deserve to relax and kick back. Start thinking of fun projects around the house. Maybe you want to repaint a room and customize to your heart’s content (something you couldn’t do as a renter). Get outside and get to know your neighborhood! See if any community events are on the horizon, make some new friends. Or plan a housewarming to celebrate your new home with your friends and family. This is exciting stuff, you’ve earned it!

And, as always, don’t forget about your trusty loan officers. You’ve just settled in as a new homeowner, but if you want to lower your rate later if rates fall with Rate Rebound or use your home equity to fund renovations, you know who to call. Happy homeowning!

Source: Bankrate, Home Depot