Your Post-Purchase Checklist: First Year as a Homeowner in La Crosse County

Becoming a homeowner is exciting — but the first year can also bring questions you didn’t expect. From budgeting for maintenance to filing paperwork for taxes, the learning curve can feel steep. Whether you purchased in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, La Crescent, or anywhere in the Driftless Region, this guide will walk you through the essential tasks every new homeowner should complete during your first 12 months.

This checklist helps you stay organized, avoid costly surprises, and start building long-term equity with confidence.

1. Complete Your First-Year Maintenance Essentials

Routine maintenance protects your investment — often far more than cosmetic upgrades do.

Seasonal HVAC Servicing

La Crosse County has cold winters and humid summers, making HVAC performance essential. Plan for:

• Furnace tune-up in fall

• A/C tune-up in spring

• Filter changes every 1–3 months

Consistent servicing extends system life and helps avoid pricey mid-winter breakdowns.

Gutters, Roof, and Drainage

Our region sees snowmelt, heavy spring rains, and autumn leaf build-up. Within the first year:

• Clean gutters twice (spring and fall)

• Check downspouts for proper flow

• Inspect shingles for curling or damage

• Verify your grading slopes away from the home

Poor drainage is one of the biggest causes of foundation issues in western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.

Water Heater & Softener Checks

Sediment builds up quickly in our hard-water region.
Plan to:

• Flush your water heater annually

• Add salt to your softener as needed

• Consider testing water quality if you’re on a well

Change Important Safety Items

• Replace smoke/CO detector batteries

• Replace or clean stove vent filters

• Review fire extinguishers (should be replaced every 10–12 years)

A little attention now prevents emergencies later.

2. Make Smart, High-ROI Improvements in Year One

You don’t need a full renovation — focus on the updates that matter.

Start With the Big 3:

1. Paint
Fresh paint instantly modernizes a space and protects walls.

2. Lighting
Swap outdated fixtures for LED options to enhance aesthetics and lower energy bills.

3. Landscaping
Mulch, edging, and trimmed shrubs improve curb appeal and increase resale value.

Budget for Larger Projects

If items showed wear in your inspection, you may want to plan for:

• Roof replacement within 5–10 years

• Furnace/AC nearing end-of-life

• Aging water heater

• Window seals or drafts

Create a sinking fund so these expenses aren’t surprises.

Don’t Forget Energy Efficiency Rebates

Wisconsin and Minnesota regularly offer incentives for:

• Smart thermostats

• High-efficiency HVAC

• Insulation upgrades

• ENERGY STAR appliances

Check current rebates through Focus on Energy (WI) and Minnesota Energy Resources.

3. Set Up a First-Year Financial & Tax Checklist

A little organization now makes tax time and insurance renewals painless later.

File Your Property Tax Information

In La Crosse County and surrounding MN counties:

• Expect tax bills in December

• Mark deadlines for installments (often January & July)

• Track assessed value changes

If your lender escrows taxes, review your annual escrow statement for accuracy.

Apply for the Wisconsin Lottery & Gaming Credit (If Applicable)

If your La Crosse County home is your primary residence as of January 1, you may qualify for this property tax credit. Many first-year homeowners miss it.

Save All Closing Documents

You’ll want:

• Closing Disclosure

• Final settlement statement

• Receipts for improvements

• Inspection reports

These help with future resale, capital gains exemptions, and insurance claims.

Talk to Your Insurance Agent

In your first year, review:

• Replacement cost coverage

• Personal property limits

• Sewer backup or water damage riders

• Flood insurance needs (especially near river areas)

Homeowners often underinsure without realizing it — reviewing early protects you during unexpected events.

4. Build a Homeowner Emergency Fund

Unexpected costs are part of homeownership.
Your first year is the perfect time to start a home maintenance reserve, typically:

• 1% of the home’s value annually, or

• $3,000–$5,000 minimum

This helps with:

• Appliance failures

• Tree removal

• Furnace repairs

• Plumbing issues

Peace of mind is priceless when something breaks at 10 p.m.

5. Get to Know Your Neighborhood & Local Services

Building community makes homeownership more rewarding.

Find Local Providers

Keep a list of trusted:

• Plumbers

• Electricians

• HVAC techs

• Handypeople

• Snow removal or lawn care services

Your La Crosse Realtor (hi, Julie!) can provide vetted recommendations.

Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

Knowing who’s around you:

• Helps with safety

• Builds friendships

• Creates a support network while traveling

• Improves your overall experience in the Driftless Region

Learn Local Regulations & Utilities

Every town — from Onalaska to Holmen to La Crescent — has different rules around:

• Garbage & recycling

• Parking

• Burning ordinances

• Street snow removal

• Utility providers

Bookmark your municipal website to make life simpler.

6. Schedule a First-Year Home Review With Your Realtor

Many new homeowners don’t realize they can reach out after closing.
A post-purchase check-in helps you:

• Review home performance

• Discuss updates that add value

• Evaluate whether refinancing makes sense

• Ask questions that come up after living in the home

Julie is always just a call away at 608-386-6003.