Homeowner Resources
Your home, after closing day.
Practical, plain-language guidance for homeowners. No sign-up needed: everything is on this page.
General planning information only. It is not tax, legal, insurance or construction advice.
First week
The first week after closing
A few calm steps while everything is still fresh.
Confirm keys, remotes and codes
Gather every key, garage remote and alarm or gate code you received. If you are unsure who else has a copy, ask your agent or a licensed locksmith about rekeying.
Move your utilities and mail
Make sure electric, gas, water, internet and trash service are in your name, and update your mailing address.
Find your shutoffs
Locate the main water shutoff, the electrical panel and the gas shutoff, and show everyone in the household. If you ever smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
Test your alarms
Press the test button on each smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Replace batteries or units that do not respond, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Photograph the home
Take dated photos or video of every room, the major systems and any existing wear as early as you can. It is a useful baseline for later.
Note anything that needs attention
Write down anything from your inspection report or final walk-through that needs follow-up, and check your documents for any warranty claim deadlines.
Records
Keep your records in one place
What you save now saves time later, whether for a project, a repair or claim, or an eventual sale.
Closing documents
- Settlement or closing statement
- Deed and title paperwork
- Inspection report and any survey
- Loan and homeowner's insurance details
Warranties and manuals
- Home warranty contract, if you have one, with its claim phone number and dates
- Appliance and system warranties
- Manuals, model and serial numbers
- Builder or seller documents
Service and improvement log
- Date, what was done and who did it
- Receipts and invoices
- Permits and final inspections for larger projects
- Before-and-after photos
Keep a digital copy in a secure folder you can reach from your phone, plus a paper copy of the essentials. Ask your tax or legal professional what you should keep in your situation.
Seasonal checklist
A simple year-round routine
Timing and needs vary by home and climate. Follow manufacturer guidance, and hire licensed professionals for electrical, gas, roofing, structural and other specialized work.
Spring
- Look over the roof, siding and foundation from the ground for winter damage
- Check that downspouts carry water away from the house
- Replace or clean the HVAC filter
- Have your cooling system serviced before hot weather
Summer
- Look for cracked caulk or gaps around windows and doors
- Watch for damp spots, musty smells or condensation
- Keep plants and mulch away from siding
- Check outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks
Fall
- Schedule a heating system check with a licensed professional
- Keep gutters clear (hire help if it takes a tall ladder)
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Check weatherstripping on exterior doors
Winter
- Know where your main water shutoff is
- Keep the heat on if you travel in freezing weather
- Check for drafts and cold spots, and note where heat escapes
- Call a licensed professional if you notice leaks, ceiling stains or unusual heating noises
All year
Each month, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Every few months, check the HVAC filter as its manufacturer recommends.
Planning ahead
Planning future improvements
A little planning helps you spend on what matters most.
Start with safety and repairs
Address water intrusion and electrical, heating or structural concerns before cosmetic upgrades.
Define your goal
Comfort, efficiency, space and resale point to different projects. Write down what you want first.
Get written estimates
Compare more than one, and ask what is included, how long it will take and how changes are handled.
Verify the professional
Confirm licensing and insurance with the relevant DC, Maryland or Virginia authority, and ask whether permits are required locally.
Keep the paperwork
Save the contract, permits, invoices and photos in your records folder.
Considering a larger project? Talk it through with Jaime first. Not every upgrade affects value the same way, and what suits one home may not suit another.
Home value
Review your home's value once a year
A yearly review helps you plan: what to improve, whether to stay or sell, and what to discuss with your lender, insurer or tax professional.
Have these ready
- Improvements and repairs since your last review
- Changes to the home's condition, such as a new roof or updated kitchen
- Your goals for the next one to three years
This page does not provide a valuation. Request one through the valuation form.
Questions?
Talk with Jaime
Planning a project, weighing a move, or have a question about your home? Jaime is glad to help.
This page offers general information for planning purposes. It is not tax, legal, insurance, engineering or construction advice and does not recommend any specific vendor or product. For decisions about your home, consult licensed professionals.