Congratulations—you made the move! Whether it was an upgrade, a downsize, or a relocation, the dust is (mostly) settled and the boxes are (hopefully) unpacked. But while the transaction is done, the financial ripple effects are just getting started.

 

At DePaolo & May, we often meet new clients after they’ve closed—when they realize that the real money decisions weren’t just about picking the right house, but managing what comes next.

 

Here’s your post-move financial checklist, filled with pro tips and quietly critical steps that can protect your wealth, lower your taxes, and keep your financial life moving forward.

 

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POST-SALE & POST-PURCHASE CHECKLIST

 

1. Lock down your new cost of living—and reassess your cash flow

That mortgage payment might look manageable on paper, but are you tracking new expenses like HOA dues, higher property taxes, school tuition, or new commuting costs? We help clients reset their household budget based on their real-life lifestyle shift—not just what Zillow says.

 

💡Pro-Tip:

If your new home is in a different state or county, double-check how your income taxes or property tax rates have changed. It may open up new planning opportunities—or landmines.

 

2. Revisit your insurance coverage (it’s probably outdated)

If you carried homeowners insurance over from your last policy or stuck with minimal coverage just to satisfy the lender, you might be underinsured. Also don’t forget umbrella liability coverage—especially if your new home has a pool, a guest house, or teens behind the wheel.

 

3. Update your estate plan

A new home likely means a new primary asset. Is the title held in your trust (if you have one)? Are the beneficiaries and guardians still accurate based on your new life chapter? Too often, new homes are left outside of trust structures—exposing your family to probate.

 

4. Plan for any capital gains or depreciation recapture taxes

If your prior home had significant appreciation—or was previously used as a rental—tax surprises may still be coming. We model future tax impacts and help clients prepare for large April bills before they arrive.

 

💡Pro-Tip:

Even if you lived in the home for 2 of the last 5 years, certain factors (like recent rental use or multi-unit sales) can reduce your exclusion or trigger depreciation recapture.

 

5. Evaluate your new debt in the context of your broader financial picture

A new home likely means a new primary asset. Is the title held in your trust (if you have one)? Are the beneficiaries and guardians still accurate based on your new life chapter? Too often, new homes are left outside of trust structures—exposing your family to probate.

 

6. Review your tax withholdings and quarterly estimates

Selling and buying can have major tax consequences. If your income has changed or you’ve realized large capital gains, your current tax withholdings might not be keeping up—and no one wants a surprise bill come April.

 

7. Reassess liquidity

You’ve probably used a chunk of cash for closing costs, down payments, or renovations. Is your emergency fund still intact? Are you still in position to take advantage of market opportunities? We help clients refill their liquidity buffer and build a short-term investment plan aligned with their new reality.

 

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WHERE WE COME IN

 

A home is never just a house. It’s a financial ecosystem—from taxes and debt to insurance, investment strategy, and family planning. At DePaolo & May Strategic Wealth, we specialize in helping clients:

 

• Rebuild and rebalance portfolios post-purchase

 

• Analyze the tax impact of sales, gains, and mortgage decisions

 

• Optimize cash flow across new debt and income structures

 

• Ensure legal and estate documents reflect your current life

 

• Plan strategically for what’s next: school costs, remodels, business opportunities, or early retirement

 

If you’ve recently moved and want to make sure your financial plan is keeping up with your life, let’s talk. One smart review now can save you years of course correction later.

 

Schedule a post-move financial review with our team here—it’s on the house 😉.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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