To-Do List After Closing on a New Home

• Insert key into all locks and turn several times to reset the tumblers. This locks out the builder key.
  
  
• If it wasn’t done at closing, you will need to go to the county government building to pay the fee for your trash and recycling bin. If in Richland County, visit the Richland County government building at 2020 Hampton Street with your closing documents. Take a check for the one time set up fee of $48 to Finance office (Left entrance, 4^th floor).
  
  
• Lexington Home Owners only: Trash is not included in your taxes.  You must contract privately for curbside trash pickup.  Typically this will be around $40 per month. Companies are available upon request.
  
  
• Call utility companies and ensure all utilities are in your name, especially water/sewer and electric/gas. Typically the builder may give you 1 to 3 days after closing to have them turned over, but don’t take a chance, have it done the day of closing or day after.
  
  
• Plan ahead for cable and/or phone companies. Sometimes they take a few days to 2 weeks.
  
  
• Remember to keep an ongoing list of small repair, non-emergency items that may need attention in your home. Usually after 60 or 90 days, you will submit a list of items that need attention to the builder. The builder will not ask for it. Then, follow up with the builder to ensure that the list has been received. If the work is not completed in a timely manner, call the builder's site agent or Adrian for assistance. The builder may also do this in the 11^th month as well.
  
  
• Make sure the county tax assessor’s office knows that your home will be owner occupied. Consult your closing attorney or county tax assessor’s office on how and when (Richland County Tax Office at 2020 Hampton Street). This is typically done at the beginning of the first new calendar year. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. If you don't do this your tax bill will be extremely high.
  
  
• When the validation sticker comes in the mail for the home warranty, attach it to the warranty book given to you at closing.
  
  
• When your property tax bill comes in the mail, forward to your lender or confirm in the late fall that lender has received it and it is paid in full. You will only have to do this for the first tax bill. FYI: Property taxes are due by January 15^th, or they are considered late. You do not pay for them directly. It is part of your monthly payment.
  
  
• If not already done, inform the pest control company (located in closing packet) that did the initial termite treatment that you are the new owner. Renew your termite bond every year.  This is very smart insurance.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. Thank you for the opportunity to assist you.  If you, your family, or friends need assistance in the future, I would be happy to assist.