In the rush of making an offer and selling your old place, some of the less-pleasant realities of moving into a new home may fade into the background, especially if the new house needs a few coats of paint or some new carpeting to feel fully yours. But a new home comes with new risks, especially if it’s been empty for a while, and addressing those risks head-on can make your first weeks and months in your home safe and secure. Kerron Stokes, a Colorado-based realtor with RE/MAX Leaders, has some tips for anyone in a new house to follow as soon as possible. With these steps at the top of your home safety checklist, you can rest easy in your new home (even if it does have a few unfamiliar noises at night). RELATED: The Best Smart Home Products to Simplify Your Life When you have a second, stop by for a friendly chat and let them know who you are and if you have kids or pets. It’s the neighborly thing to do, and it means there’s a second set of eyes on your home should anything suspicious happen.