Moving up from the city: a first-year checklist

Most of my buyers come up from Brooklyn and Manhattan, and most of them love the first year. The ones who love it most did a little planning before the first snow.

Before you close

Find out how the house is heated and what the fuel costs in January. Ask for the well test, the septic report and the last two years of utility bills. Get quotes for insurance early; old houses on wooded lots can surprise you.

The first winter

Put snow tires on in November. Learn where the water shut-off is. Find a plumber and an electrician before you need one, and introduce yourself to the neighbours. Up here they are the ones who will plough you out.