Homeowner 101

What to Do After Buying a Home in Erie PA: Your First 30 Days

Congratulations — you’re officially a homeowner! 🏡

Closing day is exciting, but once you get the keys, there are a few important things you’ll want to take care of.

Between changing utilities, updating your address, figuring out where the water shutoff is and realizing you have no idea when the furnace filter was last changed… the first few weeks can feel like a lot.

I put together this Erie-area new homeowner checklist to help you know what to do during your first 30 days in your new home.

🔑 FIRST 24–48 HOURS

1. Transfer or Set Up Your Utilities

If you haven’t already arranged your utilities, this should be one of your first priorities.

Depending on the property and municipality, you may need to arrange:

  • ⚡ Electric
  • 🔥 Natural gas
  • 💧 Water
  • 🚽 Sewer
  • 🗑️ Trash/recycling
  • 🌐 Internet/cable

Important: Utility providers can vary depending on the exact address and municipality. Don’t assume the provider at your old home will be the same at your new one. Click HERE to see my list of local utility providers.

Before moving in, confirm:

  • Who provides each service
  • Whether service needs to be transferred or started
  • Your account number
  • Your meter reading, if applicable
  • Your first billing date

Tip: Keep a list of all your utility account numbers in your home records.

2. Change Your Locks

You don’t necessarily know who has a key to your new house. Consider changing or rekeying exterior door locks as soon as possible.

You may also want to change:

  • Garage door codes
  • Smart-lock codes
  • Keypad codes
  • Alarm/security codes

Bonus tip: If your home has a garage-door opener, check whether previous remotes are still programmed.

3. Locate Your Main Water Shutoff

This is something you don’t want to discover for the first time when a pipe bursts. Find your home’s main water shutoff valve and make sure you know how to operate it. Take a picture of it and save the location in your phone.

Also locate:

  • Individual shutoffs underneath sinks
  • Toilet shutoff valves
  • Washing-machine supply valves
  • Exterior hose bib shutoffs

If you have a basement, crawlspace or utility room, the main shutoff is often located in or near that area, but the exact location varies by home.

4. Find Your Electrical Panel

Locate your electrical panel and identify:

  • Main breaker
  • Individual circuit breakers
  • Any breakers labeled for major appliances
  • GFCI/AFCI breakers, if present

If the breakers aren’t labeled, consider having them properly identified. Don’t wait for an electrical problem to figure out which breaker controls the kitchen.

5. Locate the Gas Shutoff

If your home uses natural gas, find out where the main gas shutoff is located and familiarize yourself with it.

You should also know where the following are located:

  • Furnace
  • Water heater
  • Gas fireplace
  • Gas stove/range

Safety first: If you smell gas, leave the home and contact the appropriate emergency utility service. Don’t attempt repairs yourself.

📬 YOUR FIRST WEEK

6. Change Your Mailing Address

Submit a change-of-address request with the USPS and update your address directly with the companies and organizations that send you important mail.

USPS allows you to submit a change of address online or in person. (USPS FAQs⁠)

Remember to update:

  • Banks
  • Credit cards
  • Employer
  • Insurance companies
  • Medical providers
  • Schools
  • Subscriptions
  • Government agencies
  • Tax records
  • Online shopping accounts

Tip: Don’t rely solely on mail forwarding. Update important accounts directly so you don’t miss statements, bills or other time-sensitive documents.

7. Update Your Driver’s License and Other Important Records

Make sure your address is updated with the appropriate government agencies and on important identification and registration records.

This is also a good time to update your address with:

  • Voter registration
  • Vehicle registration
  • Financial accounts
  • Professional licenses
  • Children’s schools
  • Emergency contacts

8. Confirm Your Homeowners Insurance

Your homeowners insurance should already be in place for closing, but don’t forget about it after you move in.

Save a copy of your:

  • Declaration page
  • Policy
  • Agent’s contact information
  • Claims phone number

And make sure you understand your coverage! Explore policy riders with your insurance provider to ensure connections from your home to the street are covered!

Pay particular attention to:

  • Deductibles
  • Water damage
  • Sewer/water backup
  • Wind and storm damage
  • Personal property
  • Liability
  • Additional living expenses

If you’re unsure whether you need additional coverage, talk with your insurance professional.

🧯 SAFETY CHECK

9. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Don’t assume they’re working because they’re already installed. Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.

Check:

  • Batteries
  • Placement (Should be 4-12 inches from the ceiling or corner of the wall)
  • Age of the detectors (should not be older than 10 years)
  • Whether they’re interconnected
  • Whether you need additional detectors (smoke detectors should be placed in every bedroom, and in every hallway and room that leads you out of the front door. There should be a smoke detector and CO detector on every floor.)

Tip: Put battery replacement on your regular home-maintenance calendar.

10. Make a Home Emergency Plan

Now that you know where everything is, figure out what you would do in an emergency.

Every member of your household should know:

Where is the:

  • Main water shutoff?
  • Electrical panel?
  • Gas shutoff?
  • Fire extinguisher?
  • First-aid kit?
  • Emergency flashlight?
  • Path to exit in case of a fire and an outdoor meeting location.

Also make sure everyone knows your home’s address.

In Pennsylvania, 911 is available statewide for emergencies, and all Pennsylvania counties support Text-to-911. (Pennsylvania Government⁠)

🏠 LEARN YOUR HOUSE

11. Find the Important Equipment

Take a few minutes to locate and photograph the major systems in your home.

Find your:

  • Furnace
  • Central air unit
  • Water heater
  • Electrical panel
  • Water shutoff
  • Gas meter
  • Main sewer cleanout
  • Sump pump
  • Well equipment, if applicable
  • Septic system components, if applicable
  • Attic access
  • Crawlspace access

Take pictures of model and serial numbers when they’re accessible. These can be incredibly helpful when you need repairs or replacement parts.

12. Change Your HVAC Filter

Find out what size filter your furnace or HVAC system uses. If you don’t know when it was last changed, replace it. Write the date on the filter or set a reminder on your phone (This is a great time to check your smoke detectors!). How frequently a filter should be changed depends on the system, filter and household conditions, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

13. Find Out the Age of Your Major Systems

Ask yourself:

How old is my:

  • Roof?
  • Furnace?
  • Air conditioner?
  • Water heater?
  • Electrical panel?
  • Windows?
  • Siding?
  • Appliances?

If you received inspection reports during your purchase, keep them handy. They can be an excellent reference for understanding the condition and estimated ages of your home’s major components. Don’t immediately replace something just because it’s old. Instead, knowing the age helps you plan financially for future repairs and replacements.

💰 TAXES & HOMEOWNER PAPERWORK

14. Check Your Property Tax Information

Your mortgage payment may include an escrow account for property taxes and homeowners insurance, but it’s still important to understand your property’s tax situation.

In Erie County, you can access assessment information and property-tax-related forms through the County Assessment Office. (Erie County PA⁠)

Keep track of:

  • County taxes
  • Municipal taxes
  • School taxes
  • Assessment information
  • Tax collector information
  • Your mortgage escrow

Important: Your mortgage servicer handling your escrow does not mean you shouldn’t understand your tax bill. Also, tax bills may need to be forwarded to your mortgage servicer.

15. Look Into the Pennsylvania Homestead Exclusion

If your new home is your primary residence, check whether you’re eligible for Pennsylvania’s homestead exclusion.

The program can reduce the assessed value used to calculate certain school property taxes, but homeowners must apply through the appropriate county assessment office. (PA DCED⁠)

For Erie County, the Assessment Office provides the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion application and related information. (Erie County PA⁠)

One important deadline to know:

Pennsylvania’s general filing deadline for the homestead/farmstead exclusion is March 1 for the applicable tax year. If you purchase after the deadline, you may have to wait until the following year to qualify. (Pennsylvania Government⁠)

Always verify current eligibility and deadlines with Erie County and your school district.

🗑️ DON’T FORGET THE EVERYDAY STUFF

16. Set Up Trash & Recycling

Trash service can depend on where you live.

Check with your municipality to determine whether:

  • Trash collection is provided by the municipality (and what morning/night it is picked up in your neighborhood)
  • You need to hire a private hauler (some waste companies will not pick up electronics, tires, and other items.)
  • Recycling is included
  • Yard waste has separate collection (Leaf bags, grass clippings, branches, etc.)
  • Bulk-item pickup is available

If you’re moving from one Erie County municipality to another, don’t assume the rules are the same.

17. Set Up Internet

Internet availability can vary dramatically from one neighborhood—or even one road—to another. Check the exact address with the providers available in your area. Don’t wait until moving day to schedule installation if you need a technician. Click HERE to see my list of local utility providers.

📁 CREATE YOUR “HOMEOWNER FILE”

18. Keep All Your Important Documents Together

Create a physical folder, digital folder or both.

Keep copies of:

  • Purchase agreement
  • Closing disclosure
  • Settlement statement
  • Deed
  • Title insurance policy

Looking for more helpful hints as a homeowner? Click here to follow my blog for more!