- Extra Steps After Your Home Purchase
- Deep clean your new place: Clean the carpets, flooring, walls, and paint if needed before moving in any furniture
- Change the locks: Put new codes into security systems and get new locks and keys for your home. You do not know how many keys for your current lock are out there
- Check smoke detectors: Run a test and replace smoke detectors and monoxide detectors that need to be replaced to ensure your home is safe
- Check air filters: Your HVAC air filter needs to be replaced every year
- Update your address: You will need to give your new address to banks, family, friends, your employer, and for subscription services. You can have the U.S Postal Service forward your mail to your new address within a certain period of time with your request
- Set up your utilities: Set up the electricity, water, and other services under your name
- Protect your home paperwork: Invest in a safe to protect your investment papers
- Resources for Immigrants Purchasing a Home
- Realtor.com: Is an online website that offers home listings and helps on things like home improvements and mortgages
- Fannie Mae Eligibility Guide: A useful resource for people determining if they qualify for mortgage assistance
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD is a government agency that provides resources and assistance, and deal with Fair Housing Act complaints
- Federal Housing Finance Agency: Supervise and regulate as well as oversee Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
- Homeownership Assistance Programs: A guide on the homeowner’s process with information on home purchasing programs, loans, and grants
- National Fair Housing Alliance: Eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunity
- Fair Housing Justice Center: Eliminates housing discrimination and promotes accessible an inclusive communities
- International Refugee Assistance Project: Provides direct legal aid and advocacy for refugees or displaced persons
- National Immigration Law Center: Defends and advances the rights of immigrants with low income