Emergency Preparedness
If your home has multiple levels, consider purchasing fire escape ladders for each room on the upper levels. Additional safety precautions involve planning an escape route in the case of a fire or other emergency and making sure everyone living with you is familiar with it. Do a trial run … and every few months do additional unannounced “drills.”
Protect Your House File
As you unpack and get organized, be sure to set up a house file in which you keep all the information related to your new home in one safe place, so you can easily find it. The file should include all the warranties, owner's manuals, and other documents you obtained from the previous owner. As you make improvements, or purchase new appliances, add the warranty information and manuals to the house file. Also, use this file to keep records of any repairs that you make, as well as routine maintenance and improvements. Your house file is a valuable resource that will serve many purposes both during your stay in the house and when and if you choose to sell. Make sure to keep it complete and up-to-date.
Other Important Documents to Keep Safe
Important legal documents, such as the property deed to your house, should be kept in a safe deposit box or an approved fire proof safe. Your deed will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after it has been filed. You might also receive a supplemental tax bill. Some states have a law requiring that the market value of all properties be reassessed for tax purposes whenever a change of ownership occurs. If this is the case in your state, your new home will be assessed, and, if applicable, you will receive a supplemental tax bill based on the revised market value of your home. If the market value of your home has increased since the property was last assessed, your property tax will likely increase. The due date for a supplemental tax bill will depend on when the bill is mailed.