Homeownership Resources

Transfer Utilities

Electricity, gas, and internet should all be in your name and active by move-in day. If you handled this during pre-closing, confirm everything is live. In Texas, you choose your own electricity provider through the deregulated market — I'd recommend comparing rates on Power to Choose rather than just picking the first provider you see.

For water and trash, you'll typically need to visit your city's utility office in person to set up service — most cities don't offer fully online enrollment for new accounts. Check your city's website for office hours and what documents to bring (usually your ID, closing statement, and the property address).

Set up autopay on all utilities once they're active. One less thing to think about every month.

Rekey the Locks

You have no idea how many copies of the house key exist — the seller, their housekeeper, their dog walker, the neighbor who watered the plants. A locksmith can rekey every exterior lock in about an hour for $150–$300. If the home has a smart lock, reset it to factory settings and set up your own codes.

This is the single most common piece of advice I give every buyer on closing day. Do it before you spend a night in the house.

Update Your Address

File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service (takes five minutes online, $1.25 identity verification fee). Then start working through the rest: bank, credit cards, employer, insurance, voter registration, and subscriptions. You'll also need to update your driver's license with the Texas DPS within 30 days — it's required by law and costs $11 online.

The USPS change of address forwards mail for 12 months, but some senders don't cooperate. If you get a piece of mail for the previous owner that looks important, write "Return to Sender — No Longer at This Address" and drop it back in the mailbox.

Locate Your Shut-Offs

Know where the main water shut-off valve is, where the electrical breaker panel is, and where the gas shut-off is before you need them in an emergency. If you attended the inspection out-brief in Episode 7, the inspector may have pointed these out. If not, take 10 minutes to find them and label them.

The water shut-off is the most critical one. A burst pipe can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage in minutes. Know where it is and make sure it turns easily.

Know Your Home Warranty

If a home warranty was part of your closing — either seller-paid or purchased on your own — familiarize yourself with what it covers, how to file a claim, and what the service call fee is. Most policies cover HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and major kitchen appliances for the first year. Don't let the policy expire without evaluating whether you want to renew.

When something breaks, call the warranty company first — not a contractor. If you hire your own contractor before filing a claim, most warranty companies won't reimburse you.

HVAC Maintenance

Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up twice a year — once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. Replace your air filters every 60–90 days, more often if you have pets. A clean system runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and keeps your energy bills lower. Most home warranty policies require proof of regular maintenance to cover HVAC claims.

Set a recurring calendar reminder for filter changes. It takes two minutes and it's one of the highest-value maintenance habits you can build.

Property Tax Calendar

Texas property taxes are due January 31 each year. If you have a mortgage, your lender likely collects a portion of your property taxes with each monthly payment and pays them from your escrow account. If you're paying taxes yourself (no escrow), mark the January 31 deadline — penalties and interest begin accruing on February 1. You'll receive your tax bill in October.

Keep an eye on your property's assessed value when the appraisal district sends notices in the spring. If the assessed value seems too high, you can protest it — and in many cases, you should.

Homeowners Insurance Review

Don't just set it and forget it. Review your homeowners insurance policy annually — make sure your coverage amount reflects the current replacement cost of your home, not just what you paid for it. If you've made improvements (renovated a kitchen, added a pool, finished a garage), update your coverage. Also review your deductible and liability limits.

Ask your agent about bundling your auto and home insurance — most carriers offer a meaningful discount for combining policies.

Seasonal Maintenance

A few hours of preventive maintenance each season goes a long way. In spring, check your roof for winter damage, clean gutters, and test your sprinkler system. In summer, trim trees away from the house and service your pool equipment. In fall, prepare your irrigation system for winter and check weather stripping. In winter, insulate exposed pipes and check for drafts around windows and doors.

North Texas gets occasional hard freezes that catch people off guard. Know how to drip your faucets and protect outdoor spigots before the first freeze warning of the season.

Build a Contractor Network

Over the first year, you'll likely need a few contractors — a plumber, an electrician, an HVAC technician, a handyman, and possibly a landscaper. Start building relationships with reliable people now, while it's not an emergency. Ask your neighbors for recommendations and keep a running list. Having a trusted plumber on speed dial at 10pm on a Sunday is worth its weight in gold.

I'm happy to share my vendor list — I work with contractors regularly and know who's reliable. Just ask.