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Five Things To Do After You Get the House Keys

By
Real Estate Agent with Front Gate Real Estate Broker 11085

Today was closing day on a home my buyers purchased. I wanted to announce the closing on social media, but knew my clients were private and wouldn't want a big splash on Facebook or Insta.

I asked ChatGPT for 5 things to do after you get the house keys and within a nano-second, AI spit out the reply. If it weren't so late at night, I could have written the post myself, but as it was already late, I knew my new AI friend could help me out.

Here is the AI-generated text for 5 Tips After you Get the House Keys:

1. **Change the Locks**: For security reasons, it's wise to change the locks on all doors. You never know who might have a copy of the existing keys.

Pat Starnes with house keys
2. **Clean the Space**: Before moving in, thoroughly clean the house. This includes vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces. This can help ensure your new home is fresh and ready for your belongings.
3. **Check Utilities and Services**: Make sure all utilities (water, gas, electricity) are set up and functioning properly. It's also a good time to arrange for internet and cable services if needed.
4. **Inspect for Repairs**: Take a walk through your new home and look for any repairs that need to be addressed. Note any issues and plan to tackle them promptly, especially if they impact safety or comfort.
5. **Introduce Yourself to Neighbors**: Take a moment to meet your neighbors. Building good relationships can be beneficial for community support and getting local tips.
These steps will help you settle in smoothly and start enjoying your new space!
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Comments(17)

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Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Our home warranty company will cover rekeying or changing the locks if they are not current.

Feb 20, 2025 05:37 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty ,

Congratulations on the closing and looks like your friend with AI helped you out! Five good things for a buyer to do when they get the house keys after closing!

Feb 20, 2025 05:41 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Pat - closing day is a time for excitement.  Channel that thrill with realistic expectations that continue to benefit the new oqwner,  

Feb 20, 2025 06:04 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Pat,

The things generated by your AI seemed like common sense for your new buyers to do.  You're right, you most likely could have done that yourself, but why not get some help getting it done and in a quick, efficient manner too

Feb 20, 2025 06:17 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Those are good ideas, especially changing the locks, that is something I always tell my buyers to do straight away.

Feb 20, 2025 07:11 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty #1 is a must, BUT surprisingly it is often not done.

Feb 20, 2025 07:56 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 - if the warranty company changes the locks for homebuyers, that's a great perk. Can you share which company does that?

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - At least I had the original idea for the topic, but yes, my new friend was very efficient. :)

Feb 20, 2025 08:56 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Old Republic

Feb 20, 2025 09:38 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty

Thanks, Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 

Feb 20, 2025 02:48 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Michael Jacobs - no doubt the buyers were excited, and the closing was one of the smoothest I've ever had. And we closed a week early!

Thank you for your comment Jeffrey Richman. Out of the five items on the checklist, we had addressed three of them before closing.

 

Feb 20, 2025 09:08 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Ha, Don't forget those utility transfers. Especially for Friday closings! 

Feb 20, 2025 09:10 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - I found the best key tags to give my clients when they get the keys. Zoom in on the pic and you'll see what they look like.

George Souto - Absolutely! Have a great day, albeit a cold one.

Feb 20, 2025 09:12 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty  Wow Your AI came up with some very practical tips. Especially the one about changing the keys . It is always a good idea to clean also. Have a wonderful day! 

Feb 20, 2025 09:29 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

#1 would seem to be an automatic yet often times a reminder necessary.  2 thru 4 are so much easier being done prior to furniture and obstacles being moved in.  Make it a great weekend.  m

Feb 20, 2025 11:13 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing such practical tips, Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty! I love how you combined your real estate wisdom with a little help from AI—it's a great reminder that starting fresh in a new home can be both exciting and manageable!

Feb 20, 2025 01:01 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Doug Rogers - Absolutely! Covered under item #3. But utility transfers can get sticky in at least one MS county due to a regulation requiring a transfer fee and additional inspection. It's an extra item on our routine checklist that can take a few extra days to implement. Ugh!!

Feb 20, 2025 02:47 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Hannah Williams - I instinctively knew changing the keys or locks would be on the list, and it made #1 from AI. ChatGPT only knows what we humans feed it, so I'm not surprised by what was on the list.

Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho - a lot of people still don't change the keys. Wild, huh? Have a great weekend, and don't shovel too much snow. :)

 

Feb 20, 2025 02:51 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Lew Corcoran - AI is quickly becoming part of our daily lives; we might as well embrace it. Thank you for your comments, as always!

Feb 20, 2025 03:14 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Pat:

This is a useful list for new homeowners once their closing takes place, especially the keys. Your AI friend was a big help. Congratulations on the closing and to the new owners!

Jeff

Feb 27, 2025 02:45 PM