New Keys, Now What? Your First 90 Days as a Homeowner
The essential checklist nobody hands you at closing
You've closed, you've got the keys, and the adrenaline is real. But once the boxes are in and the champagne is gone, a lot of first-time buyers find themselves standing in their new home thinking: okay, now what do I actually do? The honest truth is that your first 90 days of homeownership set the foundation for everything that comes after — and there's a short list of critical tasks that nobody really emphasizes at the closing table. These aren't sexy projects, but skipping them is how small issues quietly become expensive ones. Think of this as the practical orientation your real estate agent forgot to give you.
What You'll Need
- New locks or rekeying kit: Deadbolt rekey kit (~$20) or new deadbolts (~$40–$80 each)
- Smoke and CO detectors: Combination units for each floor (~$25–$40 each)
- HVAC filters: Correct-size filters for every return vent (note dimensions before buying, ~$10–$25 each)
- Water shutoff tool: Curb key for the main shutoff (~$10–$15)
- Plumbing snake: Basic 25-foot hand snake for drain clogs (~$25–$40)
- Caulk gun + silicone caulk: For resealing gaps around tubs, sinks, and windows (~$20)
- Gutter cleaning tools: Extension wand for a garden hose, or a gutter scoop (~$15–$30)
- Home binder or folder: For storing manuals, warranty cards, and utility account info
Your First 90-Day Checklist
- Rekey or replace every exterior lock immediately — you have no idea how many keys to your old locks are floating around out there. A locksmith can rekey all locks to one key for under $100, or you can DIY it with a rekey kit.
- Locate your main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff and label them clearly. Knowing where these are in an emergency is genuinely critical — don't learn their location while water is spraying on your ceiling.
- Test and replace all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries in existing units and verify they're within their service life (typically 7–10 years — check the date stamped on the back).
- Change all HVAC filters and note the sizes for future replacements. Set a recurring calendar reminder to change them every 60–90 days — a clogged filter is the single most common cause of premature HVAC failure.
- Inspect gutters and downspouts and clear any debris. Clogged gutters cause water to pool against your foundation, which is how small drainage issues become large structural ones over time.
- Check every window and door for failing caulk or weather stripping. Reseal anything that looks cracked, yellow, or separated — this directly impacts your heating and cooling bills from day one.
- Document every appliance, HVAC unit, water heater, and major system — note brand, model, and install year, and file any manuals or warranty cards. This binder will save you hours of frustration when something needs servicing.
- Schedule a chimney inspection if your home has a fireplace, even if you don't plan to use it. Unchecked chimneys are a leading cause of house fires and the inspection itself is typically under $150.
Experienced homeowners keep what's sometimes called a "home journal" — a simple binder or digital folder where they log every repair, contractor visit, appliance service date, and improvement project. It sounds tedious, but this record is incredibly valuable when you eventually sell: documented maintenance history signals to buyers (and appraisers) that the home has been properly cared for, which can justify a higher asking price and make the inspection process much smoother. Start it on day one and your future self will thank you.