A home you plan to keep for decades rewards a little attention each year. Here is a short checklist of paperwork to confirm and habits to build, with a link to each official page.
Paperwork to confirm once
- The Homeowners' Exemption. The County Assessor says the Homeowners' Exemption is free to file, is a one-time filing valid for as long as you live in the home as your primary residence, and shows on your tax bill, under "Exemptions," as a $7,000 reduction. If you are not sure it was filed, check your bill.
- Keep your address current. If you move or change your mailing address, tell the assessor's office. It lists an Address Change Request on its home page.
- Voter registration and DMV records. Keep both current through the state register-to-vote site and the California DMV.
A yearly home routine
- Before the rainy season: look over the roof line, gutters and downspouts.
- Every year: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and have heating and cooling systems serviced.
- Every few years: refresh caulk and weatherstripping, and look at paint and exterior wood.
- Each renewal: review your homeowners insurance with your agent so it still matches the home.
Be ready for the unexpected
- San Diego County's AlertSanDiego site is the county's emergency alert and preparedness page. It is worth signing up for alerts and reading the preparedness tips once.
This is a general checklist, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules, forms and fees change, so use each organization's own page for the current details.
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