Closing and Moving In

Closing the Deal: What To Expect

Once you put an offer on the home you want and the seller accepts it, talk quickly turns to the much-anticipated, ceremonial end to your home-buying experience: the closing. While this is an important business meeting, it's also exciting because it means you'll soon be walking away with the keys to your new home!

Steve will work to arrange a closing time that's amenable to all parties. You and your agent will arrive at a designated time and place and the closing (which is sometimes called a settlement), will be led by a closing agent � usually an attorney or title company representative. The closing agent's job is to complete the transaction by taking the money from you the buyer and giving it to the seller.

You won't see any cash exchange hands; rather, you'll be busy signing a number of important closing documents. There are literally dozens of forms to go through, and a good title agent will explain each one to you as you go along.

Prior to sealing the deal, you and Steve will look at your purchase and sales agreemnent, making sure the seller has met his/her obligations. Promises such as painting a room or replacing appliances must be completed before closing.

More specifically, at your closing:

• Title and mortgage liens are properly recorded.
• Title insurance is provided.
• Old and new lender instructions are obtained.
• Any problems noted at the walk-through are resolved.
• Deeds of trust or mortgage and accompanying note are reviewed.
• Lender forms and settlement sheets are explained.

Once you've signed all the necessary documents, you'll provide a certified or cashier's check to pay the balance of the down payment as well as any closing costs, including tax and title search fees.

Your closing may or may not include the presence of the seller. Sometimes all parties come together in what is called a round-table closing. Other times, buyers and sellers complete the process through individual appointments.

Moving

Useful tips when you are preparing to move to a new home.

Additionally, Moving Link and Windermere Real Estate are working together to link the Windermere customer with a relocation solution that fits the Windermere customer's needs. And it's Free! Whether you are moving next door ... down the street ... another city or ...across the state ... Moving Link can link you with the most cost effective moving solution that is tailored to your specific needs.

Before You Leave

Give Address Change To:

• Post Office
• Charge Accounts and Credit Cards
• Subscriptions (Notice requires several weeks)
• Friends and Relatives

Bank:

• Transfer Funds, arrange check cashing in new city.
• Arrange credit references.

Insurance:

• Notify company of new location for coverage's; life, health, fire and auto.

Utilities:

• Gas, light, water, telephone, cable and internet.
• Arrange for refunds on any deposits made.

Medical, Dental and Prescriptions:

• Ask your Doctor and Dentist for referrals.
• Transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, x-rays.
• Obtain birth records and medical records.

And Don�t Forget:

• Empty freezer.
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Clean rugs or clothing before moving.
• Arrange to have items wrapped for moving.
• Check with your moving company regarding insurance, packing & unpacking, arrival day, method and time of expected payment.

On Moving Day:

• Carry enough cash or traveler�s checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in the new city.
• Carry jewelry and documents yourself or use registered mail.

At Your New Address:

• Plan for transporting pets.
• Double-check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.
• Leave all old keys need by new owner or tenant with your agent.
• Check on Service of telephone, gas, electricity and water.
• Check pilot light on stove, water heater and furnace.
• Have new address recorded on driver�s license.
• Register your automobile in state within ten days of arrival.
• Apply for driver�s license.
• Register children in school.
• Arrange for new doctor and dentist.

Learn more about the seller's experience at a home closing.