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1. Celebrate!!
Congratulations on closing on your home. I am so proud of you for becoming a home owner, and thank you for choosing to invest in East Texas!
2. Eat
You may still have your kitchen items still packed away. I recommend either you grab a bite at a local restaurant, or have something delivered to your home. Your first meal doesn't have to be super fancy, because it will be memorable, as it is your first meal to celebrate your new home!
3. Clean Clean Clean
This will be one of the easiest times to clean your home, because there is not furniture blocking your path. You can either hire a professional, or clean the home yourself. Take this opportunity to change out all of the air filters.
4. Change Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors (if not hard wired in)
This is a day you will remember, because it's the first day in your home. This is not only for convience, but safety. Mark this day on the calendar so you know when it's time to change batteries again.
5. Change Driver’s License
Depending on when your expiration date of your driver’s license is, you can do this online, or go down to the DMW.
6. Forward Mail
Go down to the post office and let them know that you are changing addresses. Also, contact any company you pay a bill to, and change your address as well.
7. Mail Out Change of Address Cards
This is a great way to celebrate. and make sure that your loved ones have your current address.
BONUS: If this is your primary residence, in Texas, you can file for a Homestead Exemption at the County Appraisal District office. This can help save money on your property taxes. Contact your county appraisal district for more information.
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
