Buyer Pre-Settlement & New Homeowner Checklist

• Property condition substantially matches contract expectations
• Agreed repairs completed if applicable
• Appliances present and operational
• No major new leaks or damage
• Seller belongings removed unless agreed otherwise
• Keys, remotes, mailbox keys, and access devices accounted for
• Test:
  • HVAC
  • Faucets
  • Toilets
  • Lights
  • Appliances
  • Garage doors

•  Bring government-issued ID
• Confirm wire instructions verbally with title company
• Bring certified funds/wire confirmation if required
• Review settlement statement carefully
• Ask questions before signing unclear documents
• Confirm how and when keys will be delivered
• Save digital and printed copies of closing documents

• Contact lender after closing to set up online mortgage account access
• Confirm:
  • First payment due date
  • Payment amount
  • Escrow setup
  • Where payments should be sent
• Set calendar reminders for mortgage due dates

• Be aware that many lenders sell servicing rights after closing
• Watch mail and email carefully for notices from a new loan servicer
• Do NOT ignore letters stating your loan was transferred
• Confirm automatic payments transfer correctly
• Keep copies of all mortgage correspondence

• Apply for the Maryland Homestead Tax Credit approximately 2–3 months after settlement
• Save confirmation once submitted
• Website:

Maryland Homestead Tax Credit Application

• Add calendar reminders to watch for property tax bills - especially if you used all cash to buy your property
• Confirm whether taxes are escrowed or separately billed
• If taxes are NOT escrowed, budget monthly for future tax payments. Also, make sure your address is recorded correctly with SDAT, or the tax bill may be sent to the wrong address

• Read builder warranty documentation carefully
• Understand what is covered during:
  • First year
  • Structural warranty period
  • Mechanical systems warranty
• Keep a running list of issues as they arise

• Schedule 8-month reminder to:
  • Inspect walls, grout, caulking, flooring, drainage, HVAC performance, nail pops, cracking, leaks, doors/windows, etc.
  • Schedule 11-month warranty inspection if desired
  • Submit builder repair requests BEFORE one-year warranty expires

•  Rekey or change locks
• Change garage/security codes
• Test smoke and CO detectors
• Replace HVAC filter
• Locate and label breakers if needed
• Create digital folder for:
  • Closing documents
  • Insurance
  • Warranty info
  • Contractor receipts
  • HOA documents
• Take “before move-in” photos for records

• Mortgage payment due reminder
• Utility payment reminders
• HOA payment reminders
• HVAC filter replacement reminders
• Annual homeowners insurance review reminder

• Maryland Homestead Tax Credit reminder

• Seasonal HVAC servicing reminder

• Begin warranty punch list

• Property tax awareness check
• Smoke detector battery replacement
• Gutter cleaning
• Dryer vent cleaning
• Water heater maintenance
• Exterior caulking review
• Roof visual inspection

• Remember the Dr. Carpenter  First-Month Rule: Something always breaks soon after closing. Budget emotionally and financially.
• E very home eventually requires maintenance and repairs
• Inspections reduce risk but cannot predict every future issue
• Home warranties are limited-service contracts, not full protection plans
• Utility setup, HOA setup, mortgage payments, tax awareness, and home maintenance are homeowner responsibilities
• Ask questions early whenever something is unclear.