Step 9 to Purchasing a Home

After the closing, you can move into your new home. In step #7, you should have already set up the transfer of utilities and change of address. Once you move in, you may want to change all the locks. Who knows how many people might have keys to your home!?

Finally, if you are going to live in the home, make sure to apply for the 4% property tax rate. Many times the county will just charge you the 6% rate for renter occupied property if you don't make this application. That makes your taxes 50% more than they should be. Many people forget to do this. If you are over 65 years old, you can also apply for the Homestead Exemption which also reduces your property taxes.

Keep all your paperwork for your home in one place so that you can retrieve it when necessary.