Just Bought a Home in Middletown, NY? Your New Homeowner Checklist

By Ammar Iqbal | Real Estate Salesperson, eXp Realty

Congratulations, you have the keys! The first few weeks in a new home go by fast, and a few simple tasks are easy to forget. Here is a checklist for new homeowners in Middletown, NY. For more about the area, see my Middletown, NY area guide.

1. Know whether you are in the City or the Town

A Middletown mailing address can be in the City of Middletown or in the Town of Wallkill (and sometimes nearby towns). This decides who handles things like trash pickup, water and sewer, and your tax bills. If you are not sure, read Middletown address vs. Town of Wallkill.

2. Set up your utilities

Put electric and gas in your name, plus water and sewer if you are on public service. Homes with oil or propane heat need a delivery company. Set up internet early, since installs can take time.

3. Update your address

File a change of address with the post office. New York requires you to update your address with the DMV within 10 days of moving. Also update your bank, employer, insurance and voter registration.

4. Sign up for the STAR credit

If this is your main home, you may qualify for the STAR school tax credit. New homeowners register with New York State, not the town, so do not wait. Learn more in my post on the STAR property tax credit.

5. Understand your tax bills

Most homeowners here get separate tax bills for city or town and county taxes, and for school taxes, at different times of year. If you have an escrow account, your lender pays them. If not, mark the due dates. See why Middletown property taxes vary.

6. Make the home safe

• Change or rekey the locks.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. New York requires CO alarms in most homes.
• Find the main water shutoff and the electric panel.

7. Get ready for winter

Have the furnace or boiler serviced, clean the gutters and line up snow removal before the first storm.

8. Keep your paperwork

Save your closing documents, deed, title policy and inspection report in one safe place. You will want them later for taxes, repairs or a future sale.

9. Meet your neighbors and explore

Check your school district if you have kids, and get to know the area. My guide to things to do in Middletown is a good start.

Still shopping or thinking of moving up?

Browse Middletown homes for sale, or find out what your current home is worth. Have questions after closing? Reach out and I will be glad to help.