Your First 30 Days as a Homeowner in the DR: A Post-Purchase Checklist

When Daniela received the keys to her first apartment, she felt it was all over. Two weeks later she had a list of pending tasks nobody had mentioned: papers to keep, utilities to change and a condo fee she did not know existed.

Buying is a big step, but being an owner starts when you get the keys. Here is a practical order for the first month.

First week: protect the essentials

1. Change the locks, if it is a house or if you want to be sure nobody else has keys.
2. Take photos and videos of the property's condition at handover, with meter readings. They serve as evidence.
3. Keep all documents in a physical folder and a digital copy: contract, receipts, deed of sale, plans and warranties.
4. Learn the condominium rules, if they apply, and introduce yourself to the administrator.

Second week: utilities and accounts

• Move power, water, gas and internet into your name. See changing the name on power and water accounts when you buy a home in the DR.
• Confirm the amount and date of the maintenance fee and how it is paid. To understand it, read the 3 mandatory condo payments.
• Schedule your mortgage payment, if you have a loan, so you are not late from the first month.

Third week: insurance and paperwork

• Home insurance. If you bought with a mortgage, your bank probably already requires it. If not, consider one. Read home insurance: 3 key questions before reserving.
• Title follow-up. If your title certificate is still in process, ask your lawyer how long it will take and keep the proof of each step.
• Property taxes. Ask your lawyer which apply and when they are due, so you do not find out late.

Fourth week: maintenance and budget

• Do a quick review: water valves, breakers, leaks and ventilation.
• Create a monthly maintenance fund, even a small one.
• Build a budget with your real fixed costs: mortgage, condo fee, utilities and insurance.
• Note reliable providers: plumber, electrician and A/C technician.

Common mistakes

• Moving in before confirming there are no pending debts from the previous owner.
• Not keeping payment receipts.
• Spending everything you saved on furniture, with no reserve for the unexpected.

Remember that part of closing includes costs worth anticipating. See closing costs when buying a home in the DR: who pays what.

If you are still looking for your first home, browse apartments for sale in Santo Domingo.