The following will help all new homeowners in the Charlotte, NC area be sure that they do not face an unexpected emergency or embarrassing surprise.

  1. Replace Your Door Locks…The previous homeowner may have given out several keys to your new home.  I always recommend that new homeowner’s replace the exterior door locks.  Hint: Ask the hardware sales person to key the locks all the same…One key works all doors.
  2. Change furnace and air conditioning filters…Be sure that during your home inspection that the inspector can tell you the location of all heating and air conditioning filters.  Hint: Before you go to the store, make sure that you have the right size.
  3. Learn the location of main water cutoff and if you have gas, the gas shutoff valve…Learn where the other cutoffs are that you might need to operate in a hurry, such as the ice maker and the dishwasher.  Being able to quickly locate and operate these cutoff values can save you extra expense.
  4. Learn the location of your circuit breaker box…if the different switches are not labled, take the time to do so.  This will save time and frustration when you need to cut off electrical supply to a specific area or appliance.

Respectfully,

Rufus Hutchinson

Charlotte NC Real Estate Broker