New Homeowner Checklist: Your First 90 Days After Closing (2026)

Top 7 first-30-day tasks: (1) change every exterior lock, (2) reprogram the garage door opener and any smart locks, (3) locate and label the main water shutoff and electrical panel, (4) test every smoke and CO detector, (5) change HVAC filters, (6) file the homestead exemption with your county, and (7) update mailing address with USPS, banks, employer, and insurance . None take more than an hour, all save money or prevent emergencies.

Plan for 1–3% of home value annually in maintenance and minor repairs, plus a one-time first-year setup cost of $3,000–$8,000 (window treatments, tools, basic appliances, first-time fixes). On a $400K home, that's $4,000–$12,000 maintenance + $3K–$8K setup = $7,000–$20,000 in year one .

Usually no. Home warranties cost $500–$900/year with $75–$150 service fees, and average claim payouts are well below premiums. You're better off putting that money into a home emergency fund ($2K–$5K minimum). Exceptions: very old systems (15+ years) where one big claim could pay back the policy.