Quick start: If you are standing in the house right now, start with the locks, smoke alarms, water shutoff, HVAC filter, and a photo of every utility meter.
1. Change the locks
You do not really know how many copies of the old keys are floating around. Changing or rekeying the exterior locks is one of the easiest ways to make the house feel like it is actually yours.
2. Check the safety basics
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, locate the fire extinguisher, and make sure everybody in the house knows the basic emergency plan.
3. Find the shutoffs before you need them
Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, gas shutoff if applicable, and individual shutoff valves.
Future display ad placement — outside the critical reading flow
4. Confirm utilities and service accounts
Verify water, power, internet, trash service, and any community accounts.
5. Replace the HVAC filter
Starting fresh gives you a known date and makes the replacement schedule easier to track.