What Happens After Closing on a HUD Home? Your Move-In Checklist

Immediately after closing

Your title company records the deed with the county, transferring official ownership — this typically happens automatically as part of closing, but confirm the recording went through, since you'll need the recorded deed for things like insurance and homestead exemption filings. Also change the locks immediately; HUD homes often had multiple prior occupants and key holders (agents, contractors, prior owners), and there's no way to know who might still have access.

Utilities and services

Set up electric, water, and any other utilities in your name effective on or before your move-in date — this is easy to forget in the flurry of closing paperwork but obviously necessary before you can occupy or work on the property. If the home has been vacant, also budget time to have systems (HVAC, water heater) checked and serviced before relying on them heavily.

For owner-occupants: homestead exemption

If Florida is your primary residence, file for homestead exemption with your county property appraiser, generally by March 1 of the following year — see our homestead exemption guide for the full process and deadline details.

Addressing anything flagged during inspection

If your inspection (before or after bidding) identified items to address, prioritize anything safety-related first — electrical, structural, or major plumbing issues — before purely cosmetic work. If you financed with an FHA 203(k) or have an IE repair escrow (see our repair escrow guide), you'll have a specific completion deadline to track.

For investors: permits and rental readiness

Before starting renovation work, confirm what permits your county or municipality requires — unpermitted work can create problems at a future resale or refinance. If you're preparing the property for rent, check local landlord licensing or registration requirements, which vary by Florida city and county, before listing it for tenants.