Helpful TIPs

• CHANGE YOUR LOCKS! The first order of business as soon as you buy a new home is to change the locks or have your existing locks re-keyed. If your new home has an alarm, contact the company in charge of monitoring your system and change all passwords and codes.
  

• You must make your first mortgage payment when scheduled, regardless of whether or not you have received a payment coupon or bill in the mail.

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  You will receive two property tax bills a year. One should be in December and one should be in June. These ARE the actual bills, but you do not pay them if you are escrowing your taxes in your monthly mortgage statement. You can make a copy of the bill and send it to your lender, but this is not necessary. You can verify if you make escrow payments by looking at your monthly mortgage payment coupon, it will itemize any escrow payments you are making.
  

• If you live in a community with either a Home Owners Association (HOA) or a Condominium Association, you should contact that association soon after settlement. Normally, the title company you used will inform that association that you are now living in that community. However, it would be best if you contact the community directly. It is best to get the new association a copy of your settlement paperwork right away so there is no conflicts with any association dues payment.