Chapter 11 Moving In & First-Year Ownership

Home • Chapter 1: Market • Chapter 2: Property Types • Chapter 3: Financial Ready • Chapter 4: CHFA Programs • Chapter 5: Dream Team • Chapter 6: Searching • Chapter 7: Offers • Chapter 8: Inspections • Chapter 9: Financing • Chapter 10: Closing • Chapter 11: Moving In • Chapter 12: Special Types • Chapter 13: Green Perks • Chapter 14: Post-Closing • Chapter 15: Wealth • Resources • Glossary

Congratulations — the keys are in your hand and the house is officially yours!

The first year of homeownership in Connecticut is exciting, but it comes with a few state-specific tasks you need to handle right away. This chapter walks you through the move-in checklist, property tax appeals, maintenance by property type, and how to set yourself up for long-term success.

Immediate Move-In Checklist (Do These in the First Week)

□ Change all exterior locks (even if the seller gave you keys) □ Transfer utilities (electric, gas, water, internet) into your name — call Eversource, UI, or your town water department the day you close □ Forward mail through USPS and update your address with the DMV, bank, insurance, etc. □ Activate or update homeowners insurance (must be in place at closing) □ Test smoke/CO detectors and replace batteries □ Locate the main water shut-off, electrical panel, and furnace filter

Steve’s Tip: Take photos of every meter reading on move-in day — this prevents billing disputes later.

Connecticut Property Tax Appeals (Save Money in Year One)

Connecticut has some of the highest property taxes in the country. You have a short window each year to appeal:

Most towns revalue every 5 years — check your town assessor’s website for the next revaluation date.
Informal appeal: Contact the assessor’s office within 30–60 days of receiving your new assessment.
Formal appeal: File with the Board of Assessment Appeals (deadline usually March or April).
Many towns offer first-time homeowner exemptions or abatements — ask about them.

Pro Move: If your assessment seems high compared to recent sales in the neighborhood, gather comps and appeal — thousands of Connecticut homeowners successfully reduce their taxes every year.

Maintenance by Property Type (First-Year Schedule)

Single-Family: Roof/gutter check in spring and fall; furnace tune-up before winter; lawn/septic schedule.
Condo/Townhouse: HOA handles exterior, but you’re responsible for interior and any special assessments — read your bylaws.
Multi-Family: Treat the rental units like a small business — set up tenant screening, leases, and a maintenance fund.
Manufactured Home: Check skirting, tie-downs, and foundation annually.

First-Year Homeowner Tips Specific to Connecticut

Flood Insurance: If you’re in a flood zone (even moderate risk), add it now — many lenders require it.
Home Warranties: Consider a 1-year home service contract ($500–$700) for major systems if the home is older.
Energy Upgrades: Look into CT Green Bank rebates for insulation, windows, or solar — they can pay for themselves fast.
Resale Prep: Keep every receipt for improvements — they help when you sell and can increase your basis for capital gains taxes.

Printable First-Year Ownership Calendar □ Month 1: Change locks, transfer utilities, test detectors □ Month 3: First tax bill arrives — review for appeal opportunity □ Month 6: Furnace/AC service + smoke detector batteries □ Month 9: Gutter cleaning + prepare for winter □ Month 12: Annual insurance review + home inventory update

Steve’s Final Tip: Treat the first year like a “shakedown cruise.” Document everything, stay on top of maintenance, and appeal your taxes if they feel high. Buyers who do this right save thousands and enjoy their new home stress-free.

You’re now a Connecticut homeowner with a solid plan for the first year and beyond.

Next Step: Turn to Chapter 12 for New Construction, Historic Homes, ADUs & Manufactured Homes — the special property types that have extra rules and opportunities in 2026.