Real Estate - Brian Wittman

🗝️ New Homeowner Resource

Your First Year Home Checklist

Month-by-month tasks to protect your investment, build equity, and avoid the surprises that catch most new owners off guard.

Most new homeowners are handed keys and a stack of paperwork and then left to figure the rest out. This checklist covers what actually matters in the first year: the security steps, the systems to get on top of, and the financial moves that protect what you just bought. Check items off as you go.

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Week One: Move-In Essentials

Do these before you unpack the second box.

Change all door and window locksRekeying is faster and cheaper than full lock replacement. You do not know who has a copy of the old key.
Locate your main water shutoff valveKnow where it is before you have a leak, not after. Walk every person in the household to it.
Locate your electrical panel and label every breakerA labeled panel saves time and stress in every emergency. Takes 30 minutes with a helper flipping switches.
Document the condition of every room with photosDate-stamped photos protect you if disputes arise later. Upload to cloud storage the same day.
Set up mail forwarding and update your USPS addressUnforwarded mail at an old address is a primary identity theft vector. Do this within the first 48 hours.
Register for identity and credit monitoringA new address triggers fraud attempts. Get enrolled before someone else uses your information.

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Month One: Get the House on Your Side

Systems and safety before the first full month is out.

Deep-clean HVAC filters and schedule annual serviceDirty filters cut efficiency and shorten equipment life. Most homes need 1-inch filters replaced every 60 to 90 days.
Test all smoke and CO detectors; replace batteriesRequired by Illinois law. Test monthly from this point forward. Replace smoke alarms at 10 years, CO sensors at 5 to 7.
Flush the water heater to clear sedimentSediment buildup cuts efficiency and shortens the unit's life. Takes about 30 minutes with a hose.
Confirm homeowners insurance covers full replacement valuePurchase price and replacement cost are not the same number. Construction costs change. Your policy limit should reflect that.
Introduce yourself to at least three neighborsNeighbors who know you are your first line of home security. They notice what does not belong. You do not.

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Month Three: Seasonal and Safety Check

Exterior and systems before the weather turns.

Inspect roof, gutters, and downspoutsClogged gutters are one of the top causes of foundation water damage. Schedule this before the first hard rain of the season.
Check weather stripping on all exterior doors and windowsAir leaks add hundreds of dollars per year to utility bills. A candle flame or your hand near the frame reveals gaps.
Service lawn equipment and irrigation systemSpring is the right time to sharpen blades and check irrigation heads. Waiting until summer costs more and takes longer.
Schedule chimney inspection if you have a fireplaceAnnual cleaning prevents creosote buildup, which is a leading cause of chimney fires. Do this before you use it in fall.
Review your home warranty coverage and contact informationKnow what is covered, who to call, and what the service fee is before something breaks. Not the day you need to call.

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Month Six: Protect Your Equity

Financial and legal steps to lock in what you have built.

Order a home equity snapshot from your lenderKnow your current equity position so you can use it strategically. Six months of payments may have moved the number more than you think.
Review your property tax bill and the appeal windowIllinois property taxes have strict appeal deadlines. Cook County in particular: check the date and do not miss it.
Confirm life insurance coverage equals or exceeds the mortgage balanceIf something happens to you, your family should keep the house. Term life is the lowest-cost way to make sure of that.
Check for any HOA or municipality compliance itemsViolations that sit unaddressed become fines, then liens. A quick review prevents a much larger problem later.
Start a home maintenance reserve fund if you have not alreadyBudget one percent of home value per year for repairs and upkeep. A $350,000 home means $3,500 per year set aside.

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Month Twelve: Year One Review

Take stock, optimize, and set up year two.

File for your homestead exemption before the deadlineIn Cook County this can reduce your property tax bill by hundreds per year. Miss the deadline and you wait another year.
Review all utility accounts and negotiate rates where possibleAnnual reviews catch introductory rates that have quietly expired. Internet providers in particular are worth a call.
Schedule a financial review with your lenderA year of on-time payments may open refinance options or equity access. Worth a 30-minute conversation.
Update your home inventory for insurance purposesMajor purchases made during year one, appliances, furniture, electronics, should be on record for claims purposes.
Celebrate. You made it through year one.Building equity is a long game. You are already ahead of most people. Keep going.

Brian Wittman NMLS #2646598

Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee
Lender + Financial Coach
bluejeanbroker.com
wittman.brian@gmail.com
(708) 415-3801

NEXA Mortgage, LLC | NMLS #1660690 | Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Michael Kizior

Achosa Home Warranty
Home Warranty Specialist
815-671-5217
mikek@achosahw.com