Ask McEnearney: I just bought a house, now what?

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Hope Peele of The Peele Group and McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact The Peele Group at 703-244-6115 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns. 

Question: I just bought a house, now what?

Answer: In the lead-up to buying a new home, there are a lot of things that buyers need to keep track of in order to get to the finish line. Lately, I’ve had a number of buyers get close to the date and ask, what’s next? Is there anything else that they should think about doing?

Here are a few things that I usually recommend!

• Change the locks, garage codes, ring camera access, and anything else that might have given someone access to the home at any point. When homes are prepped for listings, there are often multiple copies of the key made and its best practice to be sure that you update all of that.
• If it fits into your budget and timeline, this is a great time to replace old carpet, and get any painting or floor refinishing done. These projects are much easier to complete when the home is empty. These personal touches also have the added benefit of making the house feel like your new home.
• Get a deep clean! Even if the sellers cleaned the home, there have likely been a number of people in and out, bringing in dust and debris. This is not a large investment, but the best opportunity to have the cleanest home possible, while it is the most empty it will likely be for years. 
• Add curtains and shades where needed! Sometimes when a home is on the market, sellers will take window treatments off to let in as much light as possible. When you are actually living in the home, though, you will likely want a little more privacy. Also, whether the seller left theirs behind or not, you’ll probably want all the new shower curtains! 
• Check or replace filters and batteries. Ideally, there will already be smoke detectors and CO2 detectors in all appropriate locations. Be sure that these are working properly, and have new batteries. Check HVAC filters, and if there is a water filter, replace that too. 
• Get things you’ll need before you need them. Some things you just don’t think about until you reach to grab it and realize you don’t have one! Things like fire extinguishers and plungers are definitely items you will want handy when it’s time. This is also a great time to replenish your first aid kit while you’re at it. 
• Relax and meet your new neighbors!