Closing day isn't quite the finish line. A few tasks in the weeks after closing protect your new home, keep your tax bills and records straight and make sure nothing from the old address follows you. Use the buyer list if you just bought and the seller list if you just sold, or both if you did both.

If you bought a home

The first week

Change or rekey the locks, and reset garage door, keypad and alarm codes
Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, and find the main water shut-off and electrical panel
Confirm electricity, gas, internet and trash or recycling are in your name (in Chicago, update the water account's owner name and mailing address with the Department of Finance)
File a change of address with the Postal Service
Update your driver's license and vehicle registration with the Illinois Secretary of State within 10 days of moving
Condos: register with the association or management company, get the rules and move-in procedures, and set up assessment payments
Put your closing package somewhere safe: Closing Disclosure, settlement statement, owner's title policy, survey and loan documents

The first 30 to 60 days

Make your first mortgage payment on the date shown on your Closing Disclosure (it's often the first of the second month after closing)
If you get a notice that your loan has moved to a new servicer, confirm it with your current servicer before you change where you pay
Update the name and mailing address on your property tax bill at cookcountytreasurer.com, so the next bill comes to you
Sign up for the Cook County Clerk's free Property Fraud Alert, which tells you when any document is recorded against your home
Ignore mailers offering a copy of your deed for a fee; your recorded deed comes back through your attorney, and copies are available from the Cook County Clerk
Make sure your homeowner's (or HO-6 condo) insurance and any flood coverage are active and correct

Before tax season and the first year

Apply for the Cook County homeowner exemption; the seller's exemption doesn't transfer to you, and once you're approved it renews automatically. Ask about the senior exemption if you're 65 or older
If your taxes aren't paid through escrow, put both Cook County installment due dates on your calendar
Give your tax adviser your settlement statement for questions about deductions
Keep receipts for improvements; they can matter when you sell
Watch for your township's reassessment notice and appeal deadline
Update your will or trust; if you have a living trust, ask whether the home should be deeded into it (estate planning)

If you sold a home

Right after closing

Confirm your proceeds arrived as arranged; never act on emailed changes to wire instructions without calling a number you already know
Keep your final settlement statement and your copy of IRS Form 1099-S, which reports the sale
Hand over every key, fob, garage opener and code, and leave appliance manuals
If you're staying after closing under a possession agreement, move out by the agreed date and leave the home in the agreed condition so the possession escrow can be released
File a change of address with the Postal Service, and update the Illinois Secretary of State within 10 days of moving

Within 30 days

Close or transfer utilities as of the possession date and keep the final bills
Cancel homeowner's insurance only after closing and possession are complete, and ask about a refund of unused premium
Turn off automatic payments for the old mortgage, condo assessments and property taxes
Expect your lender to refund any escrow balance within 20 business days of the payoff
Check that a release of your mortgage has been recorded; if it hasn't appeared after a few months, tell your attorney

Before tax season

Talk with your tax adviser about the sale; homeowners who qualify may exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly)
Keep your original purchase documents and improvement receipts with your sale file
Your homeowner exemption doesn't follow you; apply for it at your new home

Questions after closing? Former clients can call the office at (312) 809-9766 anytime something about the property comes up.

General information for Cook County and Chicago-area homeowners, reviewed October 2026. Not tax advice; ask your tax adviser about your own situation.

People. Property. Possibilities. · Schedule a consultation: (312) 809-9766 or 24-hour scheduling (872) 326-9600 · sharakamal.com

By Attorney Shara Kamal. General information for Chicago-area readers; not legal advice for a specific situation.