Step 9: Protect Your Investment

Whew. That was exhausting. But you're done! Well, sort of. You've closed and moved in, but now you'll need to protect your investment for years to come.

And you can do so by performing routine maintenance on your home's systems, depending on their age and condition. A good rule of thumb is to watch for signs of leaks, damage, and wear. If you fix small problems early, you will save yourself from having to spend big money later. And remember that kind real estate professional who assisted you throughout the process? Well, after closing your agent can still help you with such things as providing information for your tax returns, finding contractors and repair services, and even tracking your home's current market value.