5 things to change when buying a home
Posted by William Stewart on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 at 11:58am.
Dan Hamilton has a great video on the top 5 things you should change when buying a home. I've embedded the link below, but here are a few of them along with one of my own:
Change all the locks to your home
It is impossible to know who the previous owners gave keys to and chances are very good that even they have forgotten. Rather than trust that they gave you all the keys, get a locksmith to rekey the locks. It's a fairly simple process that is an inexpensive way to increase your safety and give you peace of mind!
Change your garage door opener code
Garage door openers have a unique digital code it sends to open the door. But these days, many cars have garage door openers built into them. Even if you have both door openers, it doesn't mean the previous owners do not have a way to enter.
Changing the code is a fairly simple thing to do. It varies from product to product so consult your owner's manual.
The older models have a series of switches you can toggle to give it a random code. The switch is typically hidden behind the battery plate on each of the remotes and on the door opener. The newer ones can reprogram automatically and are completely random.
Change your alarm code
This is one that Dan doesn't hit on but we recommend our clients do. If, for some reason, a previous tenant gains access to your home, the alarm system can keep you safe. But if you haven't changed the code, they will know how to quickly disarm it.
Again, the methodology varies from system to system, but make sure you sit down with your manual to get it changed as soon as possible.
Change your air filter
For my home, it costs me less than $50 to change out all the air filters. Even if the previous tenant swears up and down that they have maintained the air filters, changing them when you purchase the home allows you to know exactly when they expire.
Keeping current on your air filter keeps your unit working in peak condition and can even add years to the life of it.
William Stewart is a real estate agent specializing in the Greenville market as well as the neighborhoods of River Walk and Boxwood. He founded and successfully ran two marketing companies with nationally known corporations as clients and has over 12 years experience in the field. He currently serves as the marketing guru for Carolina Realty Associates as well as an expert on listing Greenville homes.
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Share5 Responses to "5 things to change when buying a home"
The article gives very useful information about home safety and security. In recent days we must have to secure our home from any type of threat. The info in the article reminded us what we should do when we buy a home.
Posted on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at 8:58pm.
I would never have even thought to change the air filters. What great advice. It's always the most obvious things that you forget to do.
Posted on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at 8:59pm.
This article should open homeowners eyes about safety and security. Small things such as changing locks and garage codes can insure a secure home. The stated information is a great reminder to anyone who currently owns a home or is looking to purchase.
Posted on Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 at 2:58pm.
I never expect doing a few of these simple things recommended by a real estate expert can improve significantly a homeowner safety and security after buying a home, these are really great advice every homeowner need to take note.
Posted on Monday, January 16th, 2012 at 4:10pm.
Such simple things, but so many people overlook them. Thanks for the insightful checklist.
Posted on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at 8:07pm.