| You've signed the contract and are looking | | | | prepare packages for your mortgage lenders, |
| forward to moving into your new home, but | | | | accounting and title insurance, life documents with |
| there are a few steps that cannot be overlooked. | | | | the county, and release escrow. The closing |
| By following these easy steps, you will ensure | | | | process varies from state to state so check with |
| yourself a smooth move into your new home. | | | | your real estate agent to verify the closing |
| First, get the home inspected. Arrange a time to | | | | process in your state. |
| return to the property for the inspection, typically | | | | You will need to provide proof of homeowner's |
| a few days after the contract has been signed. | | | | insurance at this time. You have the right to |
| Your REALTOR can recommend a professionally | | | | choose your own insurance company. If you have |
| licensed inspector that will accompany you | | | | not selected one, work with your real estate |
| through the home and point out repairs or | | | | agent for a referral to a reputable company. |
| discrepancies if they exist. The seller will then be | | | | Usually you are required to pay the first years |
| notified of these problems and will usually agree to | | | | insurance premium no later than the time of |
| take on the repairs. | | | | closing. |
| Set up an appointment with your mortgage | | | | Obtain certified funds for the settlement. The title |
| consultant and be prepared with the following | | | | company will be able to tell you a few days in |
| financial statements: W-2 forms or signed tax | | | | advance the exact fees that will be due. Usually |
| forms for the past two years, copies of your | | | | you would have the certified funds made payable |
| most recent bank statements (current and | | | | to yourself and you would simply sign the check |
| consecutive for at least two months), copies of | | | | over to the closing attorney. This process can |
| your most current pay stubs or proof of income | | | | vary from state to state so check with your |
| if self-employed. Be prepared to pay an appraisal | | | | agent and closing company to verify the |
| fee at this time if you have not already done so. | | | | procedure in your state. |
| Work with your real estate agent to choose a | | | | Conduct a final walk through of the home. Be |
| title or settlement company for you and provide | | | | sure to note any discrepancies from the home |
| them with the necessary paperwork. The | | | | inspection that have already been completed. By |
| settlement company has the responsibility of | | | | taking the time to go through this process in a |
| making your transaction legal. They will do the title | | | | detailed and timely manner, your transition into |
| work, examine the survey, prepare mortgage | | | | your new home will be easy and stress-free! Now |
| documents and all the necessary closing | | | | is also the time to transfer all the utilities into your |
| paperwork. After the settlement, they will | | | | name. |