Think about it for a moment. There are thousands of articles that offer advice leading up to (and including) the closing / settlement process. But most of these articles fail to include tips for the period immediately after the closing. What's a new homeowner to do?
With that in mind, I offer you the following checklist:
1. Follow-up on your utility transfer.
You may have already started this process prior to closing. If not, that's okay too. Just be sure to follow up on electricity, gas, water and other paid utilities in your area to ensure proper transfer. It will save you a lot of headache later on, and possibly even a "lights-out" scenario.
2. Complete a change of address form.
If you haven't done so already, visit the local post office or go online to complete an official change of address form. Do this early on, and you'll minimize the amount of mail that gets sent to and forwarded from your old address.
3. Update your address with financial companies.
When it comes to credit card statements and other financial documents, it's best to go a step beyond the change of address form. Contact your credit card company directly to change your address on record. You don't want financial documents being sent to a home you're no longer in.
4. Update your voting information.
Call your local election board or visit their website to find out how to update your address. Even if you only moved locally, you might have a new polling station.
5. Get a new driver's license.
If you moved across state lines, visit your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to find out the process for exchanging your driver's license. There's normally a grace period where you're allowed to drive with the old license, but after a while you'll run the risk of getting a ticket.
6. Get a safe deposit box.
A safe deposit box is always a good idea, but it's even more important after buying a new home. Put all your important documents in there, such as your homeowner's insurance policy.
7. Set up auto-pay.
If your bank offers it, set up auto-pay for your mortgage payments. It will be one less hassle to worry about each month, and it will also help you avoid missing payments from forgetfulness.
8. Meet the neighbors.
If your neighbors don't come and introduce themselves, go say hello. Remember, these are the people who will keep an eye on your home when you're away.
9. Ease into your mortgage payment.
If this is your first home, or if you've upgraded from a less expensive home, it's a good idea to ease into your mortgage payments. Give yourself a couple of months to adjust before making big purchases like furniture or home entertainment systems.
10. Savor the experience.
Here are 10 things you should think about before purchasing a diamond:
1. Finances. Before you buy a diamond, think about if you really can afford it. Even though every man wants to buy his fiance a 5 carat diamond ring, it would be unwise to charge it on his credit card if he does not have the means to pay for it.
2. Determine the kind of diamond that he or she wants to purchase. Is a small one ok, or is it size you are going for? Remember a smaller diamond of better quality may be worth more than a larger diamond of less quality.
3. Choose the store. To be sure that you are getting what you pay for, it would be best if one purchases their diamonds from known dealers of gemstone jewelry. Since online purchases for diamonds are available, check first if they are real dealers.
4. Certification. Real diamonds are certified. Make sure to look for a certificate before buying one.
5. Determine the carat of preferred diamond to be purchased. Most jewelry stores offer the most sought-after carat, from 0.5 to 2 carat ones. Also they are priced according to such standards.
6. Determine the color grade. If one wants to purchase a bigger diamond at a much lesser price, one only has to choose those that have much lower color grades.
7. One or several stoned ring. A 1.5 carat solitaire diamond is more expensive than another one that has 6 stones at 0.25 carat each. This is due to the fact that larger diamonds are much harder to find.
8. The shape. Diamonds are cut in square, marquises, oval or pear shaped ones. The last three shapes are the ones that make a diamond look much larger than it actually is.
9. Choose the color. A colorless diamond is much more expensive than one that has slight colorations. Some prefer slight colorations to give it a more subtle touch of flair.
10. In the end, what really makes a purchase satisfying depends on ones standards. If an individual would be much happier with a 0.5 carat diamond than a 5 carat one (for the simplists), go ahead purchase one, even if he or she can afford 5 carat ones.
Both Maurice & Lee Dobbins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Maurice has sinced written about articles on various topics from Diamonds, Home Management and tax. provides readers with the latest reviews, articles, commentaries and write-ups on tips, new home, mortgage payments. Maurice's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Lee Dobbins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Diamonds and Install Flooring. Lee Dobbins writes for where you can learn more about jewelry of all types as well as. Lee Dobbins's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.