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Wynn Housing | eXp Realty
Homeowner Manual
Welcome Packet

Welcome Home,
Home Owners.

Your Essential Guide to Confident Homeownership

Congratulations on your beautiful new home. This guide is our gift to you, a practical resource for the first few months and beyond. We are here for you, every step of the way.

Wynn Housing | eXp Realty
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Orientation · Guide Map
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From Closing to Confident Ownership

A step-by-step guide to everything you need to know.

First Steps
01
Securing your home and getting settled.
Official Documents
02
Understanding paperwork and avoiding scams.
Managing Finances
03
Property taxes, bills, and key expenses.
Home Maintenance
04
A proactive guide to protecting your investment.
Support Network
05
Trusted vendors and warranty basics.
Keep Handy
06
Save this manual for your first year.
Contents · From Closing to Confident Ownership
Guide Map
Chapter 1 · First Steps
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Chapter 1

Your Immediate To-Do List

The first priorities are security, utilities, association registration, and reliable mail delivery.

Change Your Locks

Make this your first priority. Consider a smart lock for convenience, and update every passcode for peace of mind.

Set Up Utilities

Connect internet, water, electricity, gas, and security systems. Use the seller’s utility information sheet from our email.

Register with Your HOA

Contact the association, register as the new owner, create your online account, and set automatic payments for monthly dues.

Update Your Mailing Address

Change your address with USPS so tax notices, insurance documents, and other important mail reach you.

Secure · Connect · Register · Redirect
First Steps
Chapter 2 · Official Documents
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Important Paperwork Is Coming

Here’s what to expect.

From the City · Within 6-8 weeks
  • Recording Deed: official proof of ownership. A paper copy will be mailed; we have already sent a digital one.
  • Supplemental Property Tax Bill: important and time-sensitive. More detail appears in the finance chapter.
  • PCOR Form: change of ownership form. Check “Primary Resident” if applicable.
  • Homeowner’s Tax Exemption Form: used when claiming the property as your personal residence.
From the Title Company
  • Title Policy: insurance protecting your ownership rights.
  • Deed of Trust: records that you have a mortgage with a lender.
  • Escrow Refund: you may also receive a refund check from escrow for any remaining balance, if applicable.
Documents · City and Title Company
Paperwork
Chapter 2 · Scam Alert
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Do Not Pay for a Copy of Your Grant Deed

Official-looking does not always mean official.

How it works: scammers use public transaction records to mail letters requesting around $100 for a “Recorded Deed” or “Grant Deed.” The fine print often says they are not a government agency.

The truth: your grant deed is available at no cost from your title or escrow company as a digital copy, and the County Recorder can provide copies directly.

Your ownership is established by the recorded public record, not by physically holding the deed. If any document requests money, send us a photo before taking action.

Scam Prevention · Verify Before Paying
Ownership Is Secure
Chapter 3 · Managing Finances
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Understanding Your California Property Taxes

Know the calendar before the bill arrives.

Tax Year
Jul 1
California’s property tax year runs July 1 to June 30.
Installment 1
Nov 1
Covers July 1 to Dec 31. Late after Dec 10, with a 10% penalty.
Installment 2
Feb 1
Covers Jan 1 to Jun 30. Late after Apr 10, with a 10% penalty.
Annual secured property tax bills are typically mailed in late September or early October. After purchase, expect a separate supplemental tax bill based on the new assessed value; it is in addition to your regular annual bill.
California Tax Calendar
Finance
Chapter 3 · Payment Methods
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How to Pay Your Property Taxes

Use the county’s official payment channel.

Primary methods are online payment through the county tax collector’s official website or mailing a check. Credit cards may earn points, but counties typically charge processing or service fees.

Los Angeles Countyttc.lacounty.gov/pay-your-property-taxes/
Orange Countyttc.ocgov.com/proptax/
Riverside Countycountytreasurer.org
San Bernardino Countymytaxcollector.com
Official County Websites
Payment
Chapter 4 · Home Maintenance
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A Proactive Home Care Checklist

Protect the home before it asks for attention.

Leak Inspection & Prevention

Check under sinks, toilets, roof areas, irrigation, sprinklers, HVAC, appliances, and smoke detectors.

Exterior & Grounds

Maintain landscaping, support proper drainage, and keep pest prevention on a regular rhythm.

Sewer & Plumbing

Practice drain care and address slow drains or recurring clogs before they become backups.

Maintenance · Prevention Over Repair
Checklist
Chapter 4 · Water Damage
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The Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Water Damage

Small leaks become expensive quietly.

Under the Sink

Problem: hidden leaks can create mold. Check for dampness regularly.

Solution: use a water leak alarm and a waterproof sink cabinet mat.

Toilets

Problem: a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water, often from a worn flapper or fill valve.

Solution: replace the inexpensive parts early.

Countertops & Showers

Problem: worn caulking or silicone lets water seep into walls and counters.

Solution: inspect and reapply sealant in kitchens and bathrooms.

Water Damage · Early Detection
Prevention
Chapter 4 · Systems & Appliances
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Essential System & Appliance Maintenance

Four habits that prevent common emergencies.

01
HVAC System
Replace air filters every 1-3 months to improve air quality and system efficiency.
02
Washer & Dryer
Clean the lint trap after every use, clean the exhaust duct, and leave the washer door open after laundry.
03
Smoke Detectors
Test monthly, keep spare batteries, and consider 10-year sealed battery models.
04
Outdoor Drainage
Clear leaves and debris from storm drains, especially in lower-elevation areas before heavy rain.
A few calendar reminders can save thousands in emergency repairs.
HVAC · Laundry · Safety · Drainage
Maintenance
Wynn Housing · Ongoing Support
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Our Partnership Continues

Our commitment does not end with the keys.

We are your lifelong resource for questions or needs that arise during your homeownership journey. Please never hesitate to reach out.

Share Your Experience

If you enjoyed working with us, a 5-star Zillow review helps other families find their dream home.

Help Friends & Family

If someone you know is looking to buy or sell, we would be privileged to offer the same dedicated service.

Wynn Housing626-658-8265WWW.WynnHousing.COM
Thank You · Wynn Housing
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