FORWARD | Corcoran McEnearney

Your First-Year Homeowner Checklist

Everything to set up, protect, and plan for in year one — organized so nothing important gets missed.

01 First 30 Days Do First

Change all locks and rekey entry points

Previous owners, contractors, and agents may have copies. Budget $150-$400.

Locate and photograph all utility shutoffs

Water main, gas shutoff, and electrical panel. Save photos to your phone — seconds matter in an emergency.

Transfer utilities and confirm nothing is on the seller's account

Electric, gas, water, trash, internet. Set up auto-pay to avoid service interruptions.

File for Homestead Exemption

DC, MD, and VA all offer property tax reductions for primary residences. Deadlines vary — file early in year one.

Update address with USPS, DMV, and IRS

File mail forwarding and update your driver's license — required within 30 days in most states.

Confirm homeowner's insurance is active and covers replacement cost

Verify the policy started at closing. Add flood or umbrella coverage if applicable.

Review HOA rules, fees, and approval requirements

Know what requires prior authorization before making any exterior changes or improvements.

02 Supplies First-Timers Forget Stock Up

Basic tool kit: drill, stud finder, level, hammer, tape measure

You'll need these in the first week. A cordless drill alone solves half of move-in problems.

Toilet plunger and drain snake for each bathroom

Not what you want to be without at midnight. Get one per bathroom before you need it.

Fire extinguisher — kitchen and garage

Class ABC. Mount in the kitchen within reach of the stove, not directly beside it.

Step ladder (6 ft) and extension ladder if applicable

Gutters, high shelving, exterior lighting. Most buyers borrow one until they realize they need it constantly.

Leak sensors under sinks and near the water heater

$15-$30 smart sensors with phone alerts can prevent thousands in water damage.

Caulk gun, spackling, and touch-up paint

Ask the sellers for leftover paint at closing. You'll use it within weeks.

Garden hose and outdoor storage

Consistently overlooked. You'll want outdoor water access starting day one.

Surge protector strips for major electronics

Protects TVs, computers, and smart home devices from voltage spikes — especially important in older homes.

03 Home Systems — First-Year Setup One-Time

Test all GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchen, and garage

Press test/reset to confirm they're functional. These protect against electrocution in wet areas.

Replace smoke and CO detector batteries; replace units over age

Smoke detectors over 10 years old and CO detectors over 5 years old should be replaced, not just rebatteried.

Locate and label the electrical panel

Label every breaker accurately. If the panel is unlabeled, this is a one-hour project that saves hours later.

Many manufacturers require registration within 30-90 days to activate full warranty terms.

Install a smart thermostat

Nest and Ecobee typically pay for themselves within 12 months. Some utility companies offer rebates.

Check grading and drainage around the foundation

Ground should slope away from the home. Poor drainage is the leading cause of basement water issues.

Identify property lines using your closing survey

Critical before any fencing, landscaping, or additions. Your survey is in your closing documents.

04 Financial Planning Long-Term

Build a home maintenance reserve fund

Set aside 1-2% of home value annually. A $750K home = $7,500-$15,000/year budgeted for repairs.

Start tracking capital improvements

Renovations add to your cost basis and reduce capital gains when you sell. Keep every receipt from day one.

Review your mortgage for PMI removal eligibility

Once you reach 20% equity, you can request cancellation. Savings of $100-$300/month — not automatic with all lenders.

Consider an umbrella liability policy

$1M in additional coverage costs $150-$300/year. Protects you if someone is injured on your property.

Consult a CPA about your first year's deductions

Your first tax year as an owner often requires itemizing. Mortgage interest and property taxes are both deductible.

Update your will and beneficiary designations

Real estate changes your estate. Ensure your property is addressed in your will and any trust structure.

05 Home File & Contractor Network Set Up Once

Create a digital home file: warranties, manuals, and service records

A Google Drive folder organized by room or system saves hours when appliances fail or you need documentation for resale.

Record all appliance serial numbers and purchase dates

Needed for warranties, recalls, and service calls. Store alongside manuals in your home file.

Build your contractor list before you need it

Find and save numbers for a plumber, electrician, HVAC tech, and handyman. Ask neighbors for referrals.

Research local permit requirements before any renovation

Unpermitted work can delay resale and void insurance. Check with your municipality before starting any project.

Set up exterior cameras and a video doorbell

Acts as deterrent and documentation. Many homeowner's insurance policies offer discounts for monitored systems.

Meet your neighbors

Good neighbors watch your property, share contractor referrals, and flag issues when you're away.

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Seasonal Maintenance — We've Got You Covered

Our Concierge team will send you a detailed seasonal checklist each quarter — fall, winter, spring, and summer — with exactly what to do and when to do it. Below is a preview of the key focus areas by season so you can plan ahead.

Fall

Furnace/boiler service and filter replacement

Gutter cleaning and drainage check

Shut off and drain outdoor faucets; disconnect hoses

Weatherstrip and caulk windows and doors

Chimney sweep and fireplace inspection

Tree trimming near roof and power lines

Winter

Inspect for drafts; add weatherstripping or door sweeps

Insulate exposed pipes in garage and crawl spaces

Test sump pump; clear exterior drains

Check attic insulation for heat loss and ice dam risk

Stock ice melt, shovel, spare filters, and flashlight batteries

Keep thermostat at 55+ degrees if traveling

Spring

AC service and filter change

Gutter and downspout cleaning; roof inspection from ground

Test sump pump and outdoor irrigation

Re-caulk exterior gaps around windows and doors

Wash and inspect window screens

Refresh mulch; maintain a gap at the foundation

Summer

Inspect and service the AC system

Power wash patios, decks, and siding

Check irrigation for leaks and clogs

Inspect outdoor lighting; replace bulbs

Seal driveway or deck if due

Trim trees and shrubs away from AC unit and siding