Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

First Month as a Homeowner: The New Owner Checklist

Congratulations. Here is what to do before the excitement wears off.

Week 1: safety

☐ Change or rekey the locks and garage codes
☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; add any that are missing
☐ Find the main water shut-off, electrical panel and gas shut-off, and label them
☐ Get a fire extinguisher for the kitchen

Paperwork

☐ Store the deed, closing documents, title insurance policy and survey together
☐ Look up whether your state or county offers a homestead exemption and how to apply (it can lower property taxes on your main home; deadlines vary)
☐ Confirm who pays property taxes and insurance (your escrow account or you)
☐ Set up your mortgage online account; watch for the first payment date
☐ Watch for mail about your loan being transferred to a new servicer, and confirm any change through the official contact information

Money

☐ Start a home maintenance fund
☐ Keep receipts for improvements; they may matter for taxes when you sell
☐ Mortgage interest and property taxes may be deductible if you itemize; ask a tax professional

Maintenance basics

☐ Change HVAC filters
☐ Clean the dryer vent
☐ Check gutters and downspouts
☐ Learn your appliances (find the manuals online and save them)
☐ Make a seasonal maintenance calendar

Settle in

☐ Update your address everywhere (see the change-of-address checklist)
☐ Meet the neighbors
☐ Find a plumber, electrician and handyman before you need one

General information, not legal or tax advice.

The First-Time Home Buyer Binder ends with a first-month-as-an-owner checklist and a document locator.

First-Time Home Buyer Binder — $17

18-page binder from pre-approval to closing: affordability worksheet, Loan Estimate comparison, showing scorecard, inspection, wire-fraud check and closing day. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.

Get the First-Time Home Buyer Binder Family Paperwork Bundle — $34