Moving To A New House
From BuildingHomes.ca
Before you get the keys to your new place, here's some things to go over. It's almost a full time job to keep track of everything.
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[edit] Contact your lawyer about closing costs
These probably will not be available until the builder passes them on to your lawyer, which may not be until the day before closing. But keep on top of it. You don't want to be suddenly surprised with a few extra thousand dollars in closing costs that you were not aware of.
[edit] Contact your bank. Repeatedly.
Make sure they have everything they need from you in order to get your money to the lawyers. Everytime I called mine they wanted something else.
[edit] Arrange house insurance.
Arrange house insurance. You cannot get a mortgage without it. After all the mortgage lender wants to make sure they can get their money back if something bad ever happens.
[edit] Down Payment
Make sure you have all your down payment money in order. It should be available in the form of a bank draft within 2 days notice. You will need to pay your lawyer with a bank draft or certified cheque for the closing costs and remaindier of the down payment. If you use a 'virtual' bank such as PresChoice or ING, you may need at least 2 business days to have a draft mailed out to you. Take this into account.
[edit] Utilities
Call all your utilities and make sure they are all taken care of for hookups and what fees you may incurr. Call EARLY as many are booked up because of the mad rush of closings. I've done up some utilities checklists for Milton, Burlington and Oakville.
- Milton, Ontario Utilities List
- Oakville, Ontario Utilities List
- Burlington, Ontario Utilities List
- Edit this page an add your own!
[edit] Legal Documentation
You are going to have to update all of your personal legal documentation, including your drivers license, health card, insurance documents, and get your mail forwarded. See the Utilities lists mentioned above for information.
[edit] Moving!
If required, get a mover booked, and book it at least 1 month in advance. Weekends usually cost a premium.
Or if you can swing it, get some trusted friends, pizza and beer, and rent a truck to move all of your stuff. Also book a truck at least 1 month in advance, and follow up 1 week prior to confirm your reservation. Safety Hint: Do not serve pizza/beer until AFTER you are done :)
[edit] Cash
Everything costs money, and a new house can suck it up pretty quickly. Have at least $500 in cash or credit immediately available to cover all of those things you need in the first week. Window coverings, food, deliveries, appliance installers, cleaning supplies, tools, telephone jacks, shower curtains, garage door opener installations and more.
Set money aside for these things ahead of time. One couple I met had envelopes for each thing containing the amount of cash needed, and what it was for written on the outside all done up ahead of time.
Make sure you know where all your cleaning supplies and tools are during your move. Those are going to be the first things you want into when you move in.
This list will be updated from time to time. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
