I was reminded today that when preparing to purchase a home there is so much going on that it can be easy to forget about some of the details.

Change ALL the utilities to your name-Once your closing date is confirmed you will want to round up all the utility information and have them switched into your name the morning of the closing. It is much easier to have the account changed than to have the utility company turn them off and then back on again. Oh, and not to mention that the seller is likely not to have any problem leaving you in the dark immedietly after taking possession.

Remember to change all the locks-This is probably the first thing you should do when leaving the closing. It’s just common sense but often over looked. Something else to concider when purchasing new locks is to get all of your new locks and deadbolts to match, most hardware stores can help you out with this.

Have your water tested-If you are purchasing a property that has a well I advise my buyers to have their water tested. It is required for the seller to pay for a bacteria test and ensure that there is no bacteria present in the water supply before closing. However, this test does not test for any other unwanted elements such as lead. This additional test usually costs around $300 but is well worth it to know that your drinking water is safe.

You will also want to make sure that you notify the postal service of your change of address. This can be done by filling out a hard copy form from the post office or it can be done online at the U.S.P.S website. If you are moving to a brand new home you will need to register the address itself with the post office.

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