Once your financing is taken care of, it's time to turn to the documents that transfer the property to you. At a minimum, these include the items below, though others may be added depending on where you live, for example, to account for local transfer taxes. Some documents you won't even have to sign, you'll just receive them from the seller: perhaps a certificate saying that the house has smoke detectors, or a certificate of occupancy showing that the house has passed a municipal or local inspection for basic habitability and legal compliance.

* Deed (or "warranty deed"). Deed (or "warranty deed"). The seller signs this to tell the world that title of the property has been transferred to you, the new owner. Make sure your name is spelled correctly and that it accurately shows the manner in which you and any cobuyers have opted to take title (for example, as joint tenants). Your closing agent will, as the last step in closing on the property, file a copy with the appropriate public records office. The seller signs this to tell the world that title of the property has been transferred to you, the new owner. Make sure your name is spelled correctly and that it accurately shows the manner in which you and any cobuyers have opted to take title (for example, as joint tenants). Your closing agent will, as the last step in closing on the property, file a copy with the appropriate public records office.* Co-op buyers only: Stock certificate and proprietary lease. Co-op buyers only: Stock certificate and proprietary lease. Instead of a deed, co-op buyers receive a stock certificate indicating how many shares they own in the corporation and a proprietary lease outlining their rights to live in a certain unit. Your lender will probably keep these in its files. Instead of a deed, co-op buyers receive a stock certificate indicating how many shares they own in the corporation and a proprietary lease outlining their rights to live in a certain unit. Your lender will probably keep these in its files.* Bill of sale. Bill of sale. This document attests to the transfer of any personal property from the seller to you. In other words, if the sale includes any non-fixtures such as a children's swing set, curtains, or a floor rug, the bill of sale creates a record of this agreement. This document attests to the transfer of any personal property from the seller to you. In other words, if the sale includes any non-fixtures such as a children's swing set, curtains, or a floor rug, the bill of sale creates a record of this agreement.* Affidavit of title and ALTA statement. Affidavit of title and ALTA statement. Here, the seller swears to have done nothing to cloud the house's title and to know of no unrecorded contracts, easements, or leases regarding the property. The seller signs the affidavit, but both you and the seller sign the ALTA statement to finalize your request for title insurance. Here, the seller swears to have done nothing to cloud the house's title and to know of no unrecorded contracts, easements, or leases regarding the property. The seller signs the affidavit, but both you and the seller sign the ALTA statement to finalize your request for title insurance.

Once all the documents are signed, you'll be given a complete set for your records. Some closing agents will even put them onto a CD for you. Keep everything in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. Don't assume that your closing company will keep a copy for you-they're allowed to toss most of your records after five to seven years.

The final task, after the meeting is over, is for your closing agent or attorney to record the property deed that shows you as the new owner, in the appropriate public records office. In some areas, this is done electronically. In others, someone (the closing agent or a messenger) must go to the appropriate office in person. The sale hasn't truly "closed" until the deal is recorded, even if you're already sharing a glass of wine at a nice restaurant.

Can I Move In? Taking Possession

After waiting so long, it's hard to believe you've actually got the right to move in or, in legal terms, take possession. That right normally kicks in at the end of closing-receiving the keys is a pretty good clue. But before you tell the movers when to arrive, check two more things: * Your purchase contract. Your purchase contract. Your contract will probably contain a clause titled or mentioning "possession." That clause will most likely say that the seller must deliver possession at closing (in other words, you can move in then). However, in a few states, different arrangements are common-for example, that buyers can't take possession for two days after the closing (as in Colorado), or that the seller can stay for up to seven days after paying a deposit (as in New York). Also, you may have agreed to give the seller extra time, perhaps to move out or close on another property. Your contract will probably contain a clause titled or mentioning "possession." That clause will most likely say that the seller must deliver possession at closing (in other words, you can move in then). However, in a few states, different arrangements are common-for example, that buyers can't take possession for two days after the closing (as in Colorado), or that the seller can stay for up to seven days after paying a deposit (as in New York). Also, you may have agreed to give the seller extra time, perhaps to move out or close on another property.Tunes to Celebrate By Here are some house-inspired songs to play as you dance with joy:* "Our House," by Madness ("Our house, in the middle of our street ... Our house, was our castle and our keep ...")* "This Is Not the House That Pain Built," by Dar Williams ("My house is hard to find, but I'll give you directions, You can visit sometime ...")* "Our House," by CSNY ("I'll light the fire, you put the flowers in the vase that you bought today ...")* "More Than One Way Home," by Keb' Mo' ("Well there's more than one way home, Ain't no right way, Ain't no wrong ...")* "Come-On-A My House," by Rosemary Clooney ("Come on-a my house my house, I'm gonna give you candy ...")* "Home," by Bonnie Raitt ("And all through my brain, Came the refrain, Of home and its warming fire.")* "Spiritual House," KMFDM ("This house is built, On a foundation of love ...")

* Your state's practices around waiting for the deed to be recorded. Your state's practices around waiting for the deed to be recorded. Although the house is yours once the title has been transferred from the seller to you, the deal isn't technically closed until the deed has been recorded with the appropriate government office. And customs regarding whether you'll need to actually wait for the recording to receive the keys and take possession are stricter in some states than in others. In Massachusetts, for example, recording is taken very seriously, and ZipRealty's Nancy Atwood says, "You may have to wait for 45 minutes at the closing attorney's office until the messenger has recorded the deed." By contrast, in Michigan, where most closings take place at a title insurance office, Fred Steingold says, "Once all the papers have been signed, the seller receives the payment check and simultaneously gives the buyer the keys. The seller, buyer, and lender all rely on the title company to take care of recording the deed." Although the house is yours once the title has been transferred from the seller to you, the deal isn't technically closed until the deed has been recorded with the appropriate government office. And customs regarding whether you'll need to actually wait for the recording to receive the keys and take possession are stricter in some states than in others. In Massachusetts, for example, recording is taken very seriously, and ZipRealty's Nancy Atwood says, "You may have to wait for 45 minutes at the closing attorney's office until the messenger has recorded the deed." By contrast, in Michigan, where most closings take place at a title insurance office, Fred Steingold says, "Once all the papers have been signed, the seller receives the payment check and simultaneously gives the buyer the keys. The seller, buyer, and lender all rely on the title company to take care of recording the deed."

TIP.

Now that you've got the keys, should you change the locks? Not a bad idea, as we'll discuss in Chapter 15. Not a bad idea, as we'll discuss in Chapter 15.

What's Next?

You've done it! Time to move in, settle down, sing at the top of your lungs, and enjoy knowing that no landlord will be knocking on your door to protest. For tips on settling in, see Chapter 15.

CHAPTER 15.

Settling Into Your New Home

There's nothing like waking up the first morning in your new home-ready for the fun parts of homeownership, like settling in and making the space your own. We'll give you some creative ways to make your mark (without going broke), including how to: * tell the world where you are* get comfortable socially* make sure your new home is as safe as it can be* decorate, design, and remodel on a budget* organize your records and finances, and* get back on your feet financially.

Just don't try to do it all in one day!

Tell the World You've Moved

Most everyone in your daily life probably knows you've moved. Not so your phone company, bank, or third cousin. Here are some ways to remedy that.

Set Up Services

The important places to notify are: * Electricity, water, and gas companies. Electricity, water, and gas companies. Call your local providers and arrange for your new account. The seller has probably told you whom to contact. If not, search for "utilities" in a directory like Yahoo!'s ( Call your local providers and arrange for your new account. The seller has probably told you whom to contact. If not, search for "utilities" in a directory like Yahoo!'s (http://dir.yahoo.com).* Trash collectors. Trash collectors. You can find your local waste management provider by checking a local phone book or contacting your city government. If you're in a condo or co-op, this may be part of your monthly fees-check with the association. You can find your local waste management provider by checking a local phone book or contacting your city government. If you're in a condo or co-op, this may be part of your monthly fees-check with the association.* Telephone, Internet, and TV provider (cable/satellite). Telephone, Internet, and TV provider (cable/satellite). It may be economical to subscribe through one provider for phone, Web, and cable TV, or now may be a good time to check out the latest satellite deals. If you're interested in forwarding phone calls from your previous number, contact your previous provider to find out your options. It may be economical to subscribe through one provider for phone, Web, and cable TV, or now may be a good time to check out the latest satellite deals. If you're interested in forwarding phone calls from your previous number, contact your previous provider to find out your options.* Postal Service. Postal Service. Fill out a Change of Address form online at Fill out a Change of Address form online at www.usps gov, or do it at a post office. This forwards your mail for 12 months, except periodicals, which are forwarded for only 60 days. gov, or do it at a post office. This forwards your mail for 12 months, except periodicals, which are forwarded for only 60 days.* Subscriptions. Subscriptions. You can often update your address at a periodical's website. Don't forget to contact alumni magazines or newsletters you get from nonprofits, too. And what about your favorite retail catalogs? You can often update your address at a periodical's website. Don't forget to contact alumni magazines or newsletters you get from nonprofits, too. And what about your favorite retail catalogs?* Credit card companies. Credit card companies. Make sure creditors know where you are-you'd hate to get behind on a payment when you've just proved how responsible you are. Make sure creditors know where you are-you'd hate to get behind on a payment when you've just proved how responsible you are.* Department of Motor Vehicles. Department of Motor Vehicles. Go to your state's DMV website or Go to your state's DMV website or www.dmv.org to get information on updating your car registration and driver's license. to get information on updating your car registration and driver's license.* Parking permit provider. Parking permit provider. If you need a residential parking permit, you'll need to let the appropriate permit-issuing entity know. Try your new city's website. If you need a residential parking permit, you'll need to let the appropriate permit-issuing entity know. Try your new city's website.* Registrar of voters. Registrar of voters. Go to Go to www.nased.org/membership.htm for links to every state's elections offices, which have change of address forms online. for links to every state's elections offices, which have change of address forms online.

Notify Friends and Family

To make sure you keep getting Great Aunt Margaret's holiday fruitcake or your college friends' wedding invitations, send out new-address announcements. You can send emails or make your own cards, but online vendors will also custom-print announcements on a design of your choosing; check out: * www.thestationerystudio.com * * www.movingannouncementstore.com * * www.lucyspapermoon.com Thanks a Million! (Or $200,000) Thanks a Million! (Or $200,000) Your real estate agent probably spent a lot of time and energy helping you find the perfect abode-and maybe even gave you a nice gift. For a good agent, consider a similar gesture: a bottle of champagne, a CD for use when driving clients to showings, or a quality pen to write up offers. And remember, the best gift of all is referring others to your agent.

A fun and cheap method of announcing your move is to share photos of your house online. Try the following free image-hosting websites, some of which will even create custom slideshows for you to share on your Web page or social networking profiles (like MySpace or Facebook):* www.photobucket.com * * www.flikr.com * * www.imageshack.com.

Home, Hearth, and Hors d'Oeuvres: Settle in Socially

Once you're sure your old friends know where you are, it's time to have them over-and maybe meet some new friends, too. Below are a few tips.

Housewarming on a Budget

Nothing says "Welcome Home" quite like a party. A housewarming is a great way to thank the people who helped you find, purchase, and move into your home; show off your new digs, and get to know the neighbors. Some homebuyers invite the professionals who helped out: the real estate agent, mortgage broker, attorney, or closing agent.

You're probably not looking to break the bank on the first fete. Sympathetic partygoers will probably be happy to contribute a dish, but if "potluck" feels like a dirty word, try sticking toothpicks into a few of your favorite finger foods and picking up some bottles of decent wine. And while some people go so far as to register for gifts, Miss Manners has opined, "Hoping to furnish one's quarters on other people's budgets is not a proper reason for giving a housewarming party."

CHECK IT OUT.

Streamers are SO preschool. Cool party supplies and favors-everything from candles to aqua palm tree bubble lamps-can be found at: Cool party supplies and favors-everything from candles to aqua palm tree bubble lamps-can be found at:* www.coolstuffcheap.com * * www.orientaltrading.com * * www.merch-bot.com.

Get to Know the Neighbors

Whether or not you invite the neighbors to your housewarming party, you'll probably want more intimate opportunities to get to know them. Here are some possibilities: * Have a neighbors-only party. Have a neighbors-only party. An after-work cocktail hour, weekend high tea or barbecue, or dessert evening works well. The neighbors will probably be more relaxed among each other than with your regular crowd. An after-work cocktail hour, weekend high tea or barbecue, or dessert evening works well. The neighbors will probably be more relaxed among each other than with your regular crowd.* Knock on doors. Knock on doors. Don't wait for the neighbors to come to you! Bring cookies or another small gift, like a bar of handmade soap or a coupon for "one emergency cup of sugar or equivalent." Don't wait for the neighbors to come to you! Bring cookies or another small gift, like a bar of handmade soap or a coupon for "one emergency cup of sugar or equivalent."The Fastest Way to a Neighbor's Heart Be the neighborhood's favorite new baker with Mom's Crunchy Granola Cookies:1. Combine and beat with rotating mixer until creamy: 1 cup shortening; cup brown sugar, firmly packed; cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 T hot water; 1 tsp. vanilla.2. Add and mix with a wooden spoon: 1 cups flour, 1 tsp. soda, 2 cups crunchy granola. Optional: Stir in cup walnuts and cup raisins OR a 6 oz. package butterscotch chips OR all three.3. Drop by teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 375 for ten minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.

* Look for community activities. Look for community activities. You may have just moved in, but you'll also want to get out sometimes. Whatever your interests (knitting, tennis, reading, cooking, running, or gardening), there's probably a local group that fits. Check out the local paper, ask your neighbors, search online, or visit the community center (if any). You may have just moved in, but you'll also want to get out sometimes. Whatever your interests (knitting, tennis, reading, cooking, running, or gardening), there's probably a local group that fits. Check out the local paper, ask your neighbors, search online, or visit the community center (if any).

CHECK IT OUT.

When good neighbors turn bad. Being a neighbor isn't always about cookies: To prevent or deal with neighbor-related disputes, about things like fences, noise, easements, or joint use agreements, check out Being a neighbor isn't always about cookies: To prevent or deal with neighbor-related disputes, about things like fences, noise, easements, or joint use agreements, check out Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise, by Cora Jordan and Emily Doskow (Nolo).

Find Activities for the Kids

Your children may feel as out of the social loop as you do. Here are some fun ways to help them adjust and to meet other parents: * Volunteer at school. Volunteer at school. You can participate by becoming a room parent, going on field trips, and generally helping out in the classroom (unless of course your kids are teens-then your presence might not be encouraged). You can participate by becoming a room parent, going on field trips, and generally helping out in the classroom (unless of course your kids are teens-then your presence might not be encouraged).* Start a carpool, playgroup, or babysitting co-op. Start a carpool, playgroup, or babysitting co-op. If your kids' school isn't within walking distance, start or join a carpool with nearby parents. Playgroups and babysitting co-ops are also great ways to meet and get to know other families. Check out If your kids' school isn't within walking distance, start or join a carpool with nearby parents. Playgroups and babysitting co-ops are also great ways to meet and get to know other families. Check out www.babycenter.com for ideas. for ideas.* Have a kids' party. Have a kids' party. Just because no one's having a birthday doesn't mean that you can't have a party. Decorate the house, serve up some kiddie treats, and play a few games. Just because no one's having a birthday doesn't mean that you can't have a party. Decorate the house, serve up some kiddie treats, and play a few games.

The Safest Home in Town: Yours

Given that every unfamiliar noise in a new house can sound treacherous, you're already probably thinking about home security. Take these easy follow-up steps: * Change the locks. Change the locks. If you don't, you won't know who has keys to your front door (the seller's wacky houseguest from two years ago and several neighbors, perhaps). If you haven't already, call a locksmith or visit a hardware store. If you don't, you won't know who has keys to your front door (the seller's wacky houseguest from two years ago and several neighbors, perhaps). If you haven't already, call a locksmith or visit a hardware store.* Reset the alarm code. Reset the alarm code. Choose a number you'll remember, share it on a "need to know" basis, and keep the owners' manual on hand in case you're in a jam. If there's no alarm system, now might be the time to consider getting one (prices are more reasonable than you might think). Choose a number you'll remember, share it on a "need to know" basis, and keep the owners' manual on hand in case you're in a jam. If there's no alarm system, now might be the time to consider getting one (prices are more reasonable than you might think).* Check smoke detectors and sprinkler systems. Check smoke detectors and sprinkler systems. Though the inspector told you whether these were up to code, make sure they're still in good working order. For your family's safety, consider installing them in every bedroom or hallways that lead to bedrooms. And if you're in a building with a sprinkler system, make sure you know how it works and where your unit's sprinkler heads are. Though the inspector told you whether these were up to code, make sure they're still in good working order. For your family's safety, consider installing them in every bedroom or hallways that lead to bedrooms. And if you're in a building with a sprinkler system, make sure you know how it works and where your unit's sprinkler heads are.* Plan an escape route. Plan an escape route. In a panicked situation, your halls might feel like a labyrinth. Make sure every family member knows all entrances and exits, how to get out from the second floor, and where to meet up if separated. In a panicked situation, your halls might feel like a labyrinth. Make sure every family member knows all entrances and exits, how to get out from the second floor, and where to meet up if separated.* Childproof everything. Childproof everything. If you're a parent, you've probably done this before. Put chemicals and cleaning supplies out of reach, and add child safety locks to all cabinets. Also put important phone numbers (your cell phone, police, fire department, health care providers, and more) as well as your address on a bulletin board or refrigerator for babysitters. If you're a parent, you've probably done this before. Put chemicals and cleaning supplies out of reach, and add child safety locks to all cabinets. Also put important phone numbers (your cell phone, police, fire department, health care providers, and more) as well as your address on a bulletin board or refrigerator for babysitters.One Way to Test Your Locks ... ...

Luke: It's the kind of lock burglars look for. It's the kind of lock burglars look for.Lorelai: Why do burglars look for that lock? Why do burglars look for that lock?Luke: Because it's easy to break into. I proved that. Because it's easy to break into. I proved that.Lorelai: You proved that by ... ? You proved that by ... ?Luke: Breaking in through the back door. Breaking in through the back door.-Gilmore Girls * Remind the kids how to get home. Remind the kids how to get home. Have your kids memorize their new address and telephone number and your full name. Make sure their school has the correct contact information for you. Have your kids memorize their new address and telephone number and your full name. Make sure their school has the correct contact information for you.

Cozy Up ... Without Breaking The Bank

Decorating and remodeling-or maybe just choosing your own paint color for the first time-are probably high on your priority list. We'll give you some starter ideas and resources for: * decorating without maxing out your credit card* planning a remodel on your own, or finding professionals to help you, and* beautifying any outdoor space.

Decorating on Your Budget

Though it might be tempting to buy out your nearest home furnishings store or warehouse, your budget is probably telling you to hold back. But hey, creativity thrives within constraints, right? And there's no rush-you'll need time to figure out your needs as you adapt to the space. There are hundreds (actually, thousands) of low-cost resources on decorating (TV shows, magazines, books, websites) to help you plan (or at least fantasize about) all the great things you'd like to do with your new home.

CHECK IT OUT.

Outlandish and old-fashioned? Get ideas from the quirky do-it-yourself publications Get ideas from the quirky do-it-yourself publications DigsMagazine DigsMagazine (which calls itself a "home + living guide for the post-college, pre-parenthood, quasi-adult generation"; see (which calls itself a "home + living guide for the post-college, pre-parenthood, quasi-adult generation"; see www.digsmagazine.com) and ReadyMade Magazine ReadyMade Magazine ("for people who like to make stuff, who see the flicker of invention in everyday objects"; see ("for people who like to make stuff, who see the flicker of invention in everyday objects"; see www.readymademag.com). Also see First Digs: The Quasi-Adult's Guide to Decorating With Style Without Blowing Your Budget, First Digs: The Quasi-Adult's Guide to Decorating With Style Without Blowing Your Budget, by Yee-Fan Sun (St. Martin's Press). by Yee-Fan Sun (St. Martin's Press).

Other ways to be kind to your pocketbook include: * Inventorying. Inventorying. Make a list of what you already have, and find the holes. For example, a rug you haven't used in years may fit perfectly in your new hallway. Make a list of what you already have, and find the holes. For example, a rug you haven't used in years may fit perfectly in your new hallway.* Prioritizing. Prioritizing. Distinguish what you need to buy (a bedside lamp) from what you want (sleeker cabinet knobs). Rank your priorities from highest to lowest, and space purchases out to fit your budget. Distinguish what you need to buy (a bedside lamp) from what you want (sleeker cabinet knobs). Rank your priorities from highest to lowest, and space purchases out to fit your budget.TIP.

Small price, big impact. You don't need to replace all your furniture to get a fresh look. Consider sprucing up your rooms with candles, pictures, or thrift store vases or adding color with paint, pillows, or a tablecloth. Check out You don't need to replace all your furniture to get a fresh look. Consider sprucing up your rooms with candles, pictures, or thrift store vases or adding color with paint, pillows, or a tablecloth. Check out www.thebudgetdecorator.com.

* Researching. Researching. Shop around for the best deals. Consider buying used, from Internet vendors or at discount shops, consignment stores, flea markets, or end-of-the-season clearances. Shop around for the best deals. Consider buying used, from Internet vendors or at discount shops, consignment stores, flea markets, or end-of-the-season clearances.

CHECK IT OUT.