Important Things to Do After Closing on Your New North Shore Home

After your home closing on Chicago's North Shore, you may be eager to settle in, put your feet up and simply enjoy the new property. But not so fast! There are a few important projects to handle before you can truly relax and some even before you move in!

Here is a list of things to do once you have the keys to your new home on the North Shore:

Plan your work ahead of time
If you have renovation plans in your head, it's time to put them to work! Don't wait until after closing to start coordinating with a painter or contractor. You can begin getting bids for work during your final walk-through or at a special appointment after all contingencies have been removed. And if you need a referral, do not hesitate to ask!

Set up utilities
Waiting until your moving day to think about utility set up can be a big mistake— don't assume everything will be turned on when you arrive with your moving truck! Many utility companies have a grace period from when a homeowner cancels and the new owner calls, but that isn't always the case. The best course of action is to call and set up utilities well in advance of closing.

Change the locks
It's best to assume everyone has a key to your new home, so it's time to change the locks! Real estate agents, neighbors, maintenance or cleaning crews could all have keys and you'll sleep better at night knowing you've taken this security precaution.

Hire a cleaning crew
Showing up on moving day only to find the home has yet to be cleaned can be a homeowner headache. Start with a clean slate and allow a cleaning crew to start scrubbing the minute after you close. The bonus is that you'll be able to arrange furniture without having to mop the floors first.

You can consider me your go-to resource for all things North Shore real estate, from how to prepare to sell your home to finding the perfect property in Northbrook, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Highland Park and beyond!

Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about buying or selling a home on Chicago's North Shore! I'm here to help!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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