Your First Year as a Pennsylvania Homeowner: A Practical Checklist

Settlement is the start of owning a home, not the end of the process. These steps help in the first year.

Apply for the homestead exclusion

Pennsylvania lets school districts reduce the assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence for school property taxes, through the homestead exclusion. You have to apply through your county's assessment office. Outside Philadelphia, the application deadline is March 1 for the following tax year. Philadelphia runs its own program, so check with the city.

Know when your tax bills arrive

In much of southeastern Pennsylvania, you will receive separate bills for county and municipal taxes and for school taxes, at different times of year. If your taxes are paid from a mortgage escrow account, confirm with your lender that they received the bills.

Keep your records

Create one place, paper or digital, for:

• the deed, title insurance policy and settlement statement;
• the inspection report and the seller's disclosure statement;
• warranties and manuals for appliances and systems;
• receipts for improvements, which can matter when you sell.

Review your insurance

Confirm your homeowners policy covers the cost to rebuild, and ask whether you need separate flood coverage, which standard policies do not include.

Test for radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that can enter homes from the ground, and parts of Pennsylvania have high levels. If the home was not tested recently, a simple test is inexpensive, and mitigation systems are common.

Set up seasonal care

• Fall: clean gutters and downspouts, service the heating system, and shut off and drain outdoor faucets.
• Winter: keep an eye on ice dams and pipes in unheated spaces.
• Spring: check the sump pump, grading and drainage after heavy rain.
• Summer: service the air conditioning and check caulk and exterior paint.

Know your neighborhood rules

If you are in a condominium or homeowners association, read the rules and budget for fees and possible special assessments. Check your municipality's rules before building a fence, deck or addition, since many need a permit.

Questions about your home's value or a future move? Request a valuation.