Your First Week as a Homeowner

Day 1: Safety & Security First

Before you carry in a single box, do these things. They take about 2-3 hours and they protect your family from day one.

Change the Locks

You have no idea who has copies of the existing keys — previous owners, their friends, contractors, dog walkers, cleaning services, real estate agents. Rekey or replace all exterior door locks, including the garage door to the house. This typically costs $100-$200 for rekeying or $200-$400 for new locks.

Smart Lock Option

Consider a keypad or smart lock for at least one door. You'll never be locked out, and you can give temporary codes to contractors, cleaners, or dog sitters — then delete them when the job is done.

Safety Checks Before Unpacking

Test all smoke detectors — Press the test button on every one. Replace batteries even if they beep. Know where they are: one in every bedroom, one outside sleeping areas, one on every level. Test carbon monoxide (CO) detectors — If you have gas appliances (furnace, water heater, stove), you need CO detectors near sleeping areas. If none are installed, buy and install them today. Locate the fire extinguisher — You should have at least one in the kitchen and one in the garage. Check the gauge — if it's in the red, replace it. Find the main water shutoff — Usually near the street or where the water line enters the house. In DFW, it's often in the front yard near the meter. Know how to turn it off before a pipe bursts at 2 AM. Find the electrical panel — Usually in the garage, utility room, or hallway closet. Open it, read the labels, and make sure you know which breaker controls what. Locate the gas shutoff (if applicable) — At the meter or where the gas line enters the house. You'll need a wrench to turn it off in an emergency. Identify emergency exits — Walk through the house and make sure every bedroom has at least two escape routes (door + window). Make sure windows open easily.

Reset All Codes & Passwords

Garage Door

Reset the opener code. The manual is usually accessible online by searching the brand and model number on the unit.

Alarm System

If the home has a security system, contact the provider to transfer service or set up new service. Reset all codes.

Smart Home Devices

Factory reset any smart thermostats, doorbells, or cameras left by previous owners. Set up your own accounts.

Day 2: Document Everything

Before you start putting things away, take the time to document your home's current condition. This protects you for insurance claims, warranty issues, and future reference.

Photo & Video Walkthrough

1

Record a Video Walkthrough

Walk through every room slowly with your phone, narrating what you see. Open closets, cabinets, and doors. This creates a timestamped record of the home's condition at move-in.

2

Photograph All Appliance Labels

Take close-up photos of the model and serial number plates on your HVAC, water heater, dishwasher, oven, microwave, and any other appliances. You'll need these for warranty claims and when hiring repair techs.

3

Photograph Meter Readings

Take photos of your electric, gas, and water meters. This establishes your starting point and protects you from billing disputes.

4

Start Your Home Binder

Create a physical or digital folder for: closing documents, home warranty info, appliance manuals, paint colors, contractor contacts, and receipts for any improvements. Future you will be grateful.

Days 3-4: Know Your Home's Systems

Understanding your home's major systems isn't just about convenience — it's about preventing emergencies. Spend time locating and learning about each one.

🌡️ HVAC System

Where: Usually in the attic, garage, closet, or utility room (indoor unit). Outdoor condenser is outside.

Do now: Check the air filter. If it's dirty (it probably is), replace it. Write the filter size on the unit with a marker so you always know. Set a reminder to replace it monthly in DFW's dusty environment.

DFW tip: Schedule a tune-up before summer. AC companies are booked solid by May.

💧 Plumbing

Know: Main shutoff location (usually near the street), individual fixture shutoffs (under sinks, behind toilets), and water heater location.

Do now: Run every faucet, flush every toilet, run the dishwasher and washing machine. Check under all sinks for leaks. Note the water heater's age (on the label) — if it's 10+ years old, start budgeting for replacement.

⚡ Electrical

Know: Where the breaker panel is and which breaker controls what. Label any unlabeled breakers (this is a two-person job — one person flips breakers while the other checks which outlets/lights go off).

Do now: Test all GFCI outlets (the ones with Test/Reset buttons, usually in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages). They should trip when you press Test and reset when you press Reset.

🏠 Foundation & Drainage

DFW critical: Our expansive clay soil means foundation maintenance starts immediately.

Do now: Walk the perimeter. Note where downspouts drain and make sure water flows away from the foundation. Set up soaker hoses around the foundation if you close during summer — keeping the soil consistently moist prevents shifting.

DFW Foundation Alert

Foundation repair in DFW costs $5,000-$15,000+. The number one preventive measure is consistent soil moisture around your foundation. During hot, dry summers, run soaker hoses around the perimeter for 15-20 minutes a few times per week. This one habit can save you thousands.

Day 5: Set Up Services & Utilities

If you haven't already transferred utilities, do it now. Also set up the services that make homeownership run smoothly.

Transfer or set up electricity — In DFW's deregulated market, you can choose your provider. Compare rates at PowerToChoose.org. Transfer water service — Contact your city's water department. Some DFW cities require this in person. Set up gas service (if applicable) — Atmos Energy serves most of DFW. Set up internet — Schedule installation early; wait times can be 1-2 weeks. Set up trash/recycling — Usually through your city. Check pickup days. Update your address — USPS mail forwarding, driver's license (within 30 days in Texas), voter registration, banks, insurance, and subscriptions. File your homestead exemption — Do this immediately! It saves $1,000-$2,000+ per year on property taxes. File with your county appraisal district. Set up a lawn care plan — DFW lawns need regular attention. At minimum, have a mowing schedule. Consider a seasonal fertilizing plan for your grass type (Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia).

Don't Forget the Homestead Exemption!

This is literally free money. Filing your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district reduces your property taxes by $1,000-$2,000+ per year. There's no fee, it takes 10 minutes, and many DFW counties accept online applications. Do it the first week — don't wait. See our Property Tax Guide for full details.

Days 6-7: Get Settled & Meet Neighbors

With the critical safety and setup tasks done, use the weekend to get settled and start building your homeowner foundation.

Meet Your Neighbors

Good neighbors are one of the most valuable resources a homeowner can have. They watch your home when you travel, recommend contractors, alert you to neighborhood issues, and make your street feel like home.

Introduce Yourself

Walk over and say hello to your immediate neighbors (both sides and across the street). A simple "Hi, we just moved in" goes a long way. Exchange phone numbers for emergencies.

Ask About the Neighborhood

Neighbors know things you can't Google: which contractors to trust, when trash really gets picked up, whether the HOA is strict, and where the best local spots are.

Join Community Channels

Find your neighborhood's Facebook group, Nextdoor, or HOA communication channel. These are goldmines for recommendations, alerts, and community events.

Build Your Contractor Contacts

You'll need these people eventually — better to find them now than when you're in emergency mode:

Plumber — Ask neighbors for recommendations. Keep a 24/7 emergency plumber number saved. Electrician — Licensed and insured. You'll need one eventually. HVAC technician — Schedule that first tune-up now, before summer. Handyman — For the smaller stuff that doesn't need a specialist. Pest control — DFW has termites, mosquitoes, and fire ants. Get on a regular treatment plan.

7 Costly Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Learn from others' expensive lessons. These are the mistakes we see DFW homeowners make most often in their first year.

1. Skipping Follow-Up Inspections

Your home inspection may have flagged items for specialist review. Don't ignore these. That $500 foundation inspection could save you $10,000+ in repairs down the road.

2. Neglecting HVAC Maintenance

Change filters monthly. Schedule annual tune-ups (spring for AC, fall for heat). A $150 tune-up prevents a $2,000-$5,000 emergency replacement in July.

3. Over-Improving Too Soon

Live in your home 6-12 months before major renovations. You'll understand the space better and make smarter, more cost-effective decisions.

4. Ignoring Small Leaks

Water damage compounds fast. A small drip under the sink can become mold, rot, and structural damage. Fix leaks immediately — mold remediation costs $3,000-$10,000+.

5. Not Reading HOA Rules

Violations can result in fines of $50-$200+ per day. Know the rules before painting your front door, parking your boat, or building a shed.

6. Hiring the Cheapest Contractor

Low bids often mean cut corners. Always check Texas licenses, insurance, and references. Get at least 3 quotes for any job over $500.

7. Forgetting to Winterize

DFW gets hard freezes. Cover outdoor faucets, know how to drip interior faucets, and insulate exposed pipes. Remember Winter Storm Uri — be prepared.

Key Takeaways

🔒

Safety first: Change locks, test detectors, and locate all shutoff valves before unpacking a single box.

📸

Document everything: Photos, serial numbers, and a home binder protect you from day one.

🏠

Know your systems: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and foundation maintenance starts immediately in DFW.

📋

File your homestead exemption right away — it's free, takes 10 minutes, and saves $1,000-$2,000+ per year.

What's Next?

With your first week handled, continue building your homeownership knowledge:

Home Maintenance Schedule

Set up a month-by-month maintenance plan to protect your investment and prevent expensive surprises.

View Schedule →

Building Equity

Understand how your monthly payments and smart improvements build wealth over time.

Learn About Equity →

Homeowner Resources

Find guides for property taxes, insurance, smart improvements, and protecting your home.

View Resources →