Ready to Buy? Read our Closing Checklist First!

This entry was posted in Tips for Buyers on April 21, 2013

buyers-checklistAfter months of endless open houses, property walk-throughs and online searching, you’ve found a home that meets your needs and is within your budget. The search has resulted in a home that you can picture your family enjoying for many years.

You’ve had an inspection done by the Houston bat removal and are at ease with the results.

The seller and their agent have accepted your offer and the bank approved your home loan.

You’ve settled on a closing date and a move-in date.

At long last, you’re ready to close and formalize the agreement. But are you really?

Take the time to review this closing checklist – it may seem like a lot of things to remember, but with the help of Bowen Agency Realtors, the process will be smooth and painless.

This checklist is based on closing a home with a mortgage. A cash real estate closing is much less involved. The closing process can vary from state to state, but regardless of where you’re closing, all of the terms of the purchase agreement must be met prior to closing. Closing is simply the time to sign legal and bank documents and receive the keys to your home.

Before closing, make sure that you have:

  • A fully executed purchase agreement including all necessary addendums.
  • A down payment in the form of a check or money order
  • A home inspection or inspection waiver
  • Request for repairs or release
  • Appraisal of the property by the bank
  • Lender required repairs
  • Loan approval
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Septic tank/sewer inspection or waiver
  • Land survey or waiver
  • Clear title to the home and property (i.e. no liens)

During the closing, the buyer will sign legal and bank documents and have documents notarized. The documents will then be sent to the buyer, seller, lender, and local Courthouse for permanent filing and safekeeping. A record of the transaction (buyer, seller and purchase amount) will also be printed in the local newspaper.

While there are a number of steps that must occur before closing, Bowen Agency Realtors will work with you to ensure that the process is smooth and painless.