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Close &
Get The Keys
Today is the day!
At closing you will make the purchase of your new home official.
In this step we’ll outline everything you need to do before, during and after closing.
Before closing
SCHEDULE A FINAL WALK-THROUGH
Prior to your closing, you will conduct a final walk-through of the property. The purpose of the final walk-through is to ensure the terms of the contract have been met. It is suggested to do this walk-though prior to the day of closing so sellers have time to complete anything found outstanding.
At the final walk-though:
Bring a copy of your contract and IRSA with you for reference.
Look to see that any repairs agreed to on the IRSA have been completed by the seller.
Confirm that the home is in the same condition it was when you made the offer. Remember that a home looks very different when it’s vacant and some imperfections that were previously behind furnishing may now be visible. This is normal and not considered in breach of contract.
Double check expensive items and major appliances are still working properly.
Confirm that the items that convey with the sale are still there and all unwanted items have been removed.
REVIEW YOUR SETTLEMENT STATEMENT
You will receive a HUD-1 (Housing and Urban Development) ALTA (American Land Title Association) statement from your title company three days prior to closing. This summary will break out the expenses pertaining to the sale. You want to check to make sure that all the numbers on the form are correct.
The day of closing
Your closing will take place at the title company on the day specified on your contract. The closing will be on a weekday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m at a time set by you, your agent and your closer.
If you can not attend the closing in person a long distance closing can be prearranged and conducted via FedEx in front of a notary, or a trusted friend can sign for you via power of attorney at the title office.
If you and the seller used the same title company, you may close together or one right after the other. You may also close at completely different times or through different title companies. It is possible (and common) that you may never meet your seller at all.
BE SURE TO BRING:
- Your drivers license. Everyone signing needs to bring theirs too.
- A cashier’s check made out to the title company for the final amount stated on the HUD-1 form.
- A pen to sign more papers than you can imagine.
- Your spouse! Even if your spouse is not on on the loan paperwork, he/she will be required to sign at closing too.
Buyer closings are significantly longer than seller closings. In addition to real estate and title documents you will sign all paperwork to finalize your loan. Buyer closings take approximately one hour (if you are familiar with the documents and understand what you are signing). If you wish to read through the stack of documents at the closing table it will take longer.
If you are taking possession of the house on closing day your agent will present you with the keys, garage door openers and a congratulatory hug when signing is completed!
After closing
After a well deserved celebration dinner there are a couple other tasks to complete as you settle into your new home:
- Change the locks.
- File for your Homestead Tax Credit.
- Look out for a copy of your Title Insurance Policy in the mail.
- Set up your mortgage payments.
- Update your driver’s license with your new address.
- Let friends and family know your new address.
- Change your address on all online accounts and credit cards.
- Throw a housewarming party to show off your new place!
From all of us at NWAREALESTATE.COM we wish you many happy memories in your new home!
