You’ve signed and initialed on all the dotted lines. The house is yours — no more landlords or leases. Enjoy it. Revel in it. Even spend a night in your new, empty home on an air mattress with a box of pizza before things start to get real (it’s a memory you might appreciate down the road). But when the house honeymoon’s over, there’s work to be done!

1. Ask your real estate agent for their list of local handymen

Who needs friend recommendations when you can use your trusted real estate agent’s list? Most agents have plumbers, electricians, and more that they recommend regularly. Make sure to ask your Realtor for a list of preferred providers so you have it handy in the future when you need something. It can be great to know you have those contacts if you need them in a hurry.

2. Don’t paint the walls before moving in!

Living in your home unpacked for a little while lets you see where the light hits every room at all times of the day. So don’t rush to paint the walls before your things are in place, even if that seems easiest. You may end up choosing colors you don’t love — and then you’ll have to paint again.

6. Keep all of your early receipts

Make a folder, get a notebook, and keep receipts for everything. You might be surprised at what’s tax-deductible. Claiming the space for your home office isn’t big news, but don’t forget all the pieces that go with the home office. Whether that’s an alarm, maid service, cost of electricity … all of those things can be prorated to account for the home-office deduction!

 

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