Four dos – and a few don’ts – to keep in mind after your closing day

Birthright Title loves being part of so many milestones across Middle Tennessee. It is truly our pleasure to help so many people reach their real estate dreams. However, our admiration for our customers doesn’t stop after your closing is done.

That’s why this blog is all about the important steps you should take – and the mistakes to avoid – to protect your investment, settle in comfortably, and set yourself up for long-term success as a homeowner.  

What You Should Do After Closing

Update your driver’s license/legal ID. One of the first tasks after closing is updating your driver’s license or state ID to reflect your new address. This ensures consistency across official documents and can prevent issues with voting, federal and state identification, and other legal requirements. 

Notify others of your address change. Make a comprehensive list of parties that need your updated address. This includes utility companies (electric, gas, water), banks and financial institutions, insurance providers, medical offices, employers, and subscription services. Don’t forget to file a change-of-address form with the postal service so your mail is forwarded. Relatedly, be sure to change – or rekey – the locks and update entry codes for the garage and other points of entry, too! 

Locate utility and appliance shut-offs. You may have already done this during your inspections and walk-throughs, but it’s an important one. Get familiar with the locations of the main shut-offs for water, gas, and electricity (circuit box), as well as the individual appliance valves. This knowledge is crucial in case of emergencies or unexpected maintenance issues. 

Stay in touch with your real estate agent. Both your Realtor and the professionals on the Birthright Title team want to remain a valuable resource even after your closing. We may be able to recommend reliable contractors, share insights on local property values or help you with future moves or upgrades. Plus, we all just want to remain part of your story and are always here if you need any professional assistance in the future.

Don’t make these mistakes moving forward

Don’t throw away your paperwork. Closing day comes with a stack of paperwork, but these documents are important for future needs like refinancing, tax assessments, insurance updates, and resale. Store them securely in a fireproof lockbox or safe. If something happens to these papers in the future, let Birthright Title know; we may be able to help you get what you need.

Don’t let your fraud guard down. Listen, we want all our friends and customers to stay protected long after the closing is done. Your closing isn’t the only home-related target fraudsters may go after. Always be wary of communications that appear to be from your lender or title company but contain minor discrepancies.

Don’t ignore maintenance needs. This one is especially for first-time homebuyers. Regardless of how clean your inspection report was or how new your home is, repairs and maintenance will always be part of the ownership journey. Establish a routine maintenance schedule for your HVAC systems, water lines, appliances, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and your home’s exterior features. Regular upkeep helps avoid costly repairs in the future.

Your closing day might feel like the end of a long process, but it’s really the beginning of your homeownership story. (It’s why Birthright Title likes to say we’re the start of your home sweet home.