The seller of your first house has agreed to your offer of purchase. Congratulations!
Now, the fun part -- closing on a house.
At that point, the sale of the house will be completed, you will sign all required papers (including the last of your loan paperwork), and you will get your keys.
The closing date is usually announced four to eight weeks after your offer is accepted. Starting your preparation process early can help your closure go more smoothly.
When: As soon as your offer is approved.
It is common for a home inspection to be a condition of the purchase agreement between you and the seller. As soon as the offer is approved, you should set up the house inspection so you can work out a repair agreement with the seller. Get recommendations from your home buying team for two or three different house inspectors so you can select the one that best suits your requirements.
When: A few days following the acceptance of your offer.
Homeowners insurance is a wise precaution to safeguard your house and possessions, and it is typically required by lenders. You can find additional information from an insurance agent about the minimum insurance required for the worth of the house you're purchasing and to satisfy the lender's specifications.
They can discuss with you the various possibilities for supplemental coverage that can offer additional protection and insure your possessions. Depending on the region, you might also need to buy flood insurance for your new house. Further details regarding flood insurance are available from the National Flood Insurance Program.
When: A week after your offer is approved.
Ask your lender about arranging the appraisal during this discussion. Your lender will assess the value of your new house in collaboration with an appraiser.
For a mortgage underwriter—who examines your financial information and other necessary paperwork to decide if you qualify for the loan you're asking for—to approve your loan application, you must act swiftly during this phase.
When: Within 10 days after your offer was approved.
You may already have most of the necessary documents put together if you go through the pre-approval process. If so, great! That makes this step easier. Allow yourself time to obtain copies of any missing documents, if necessary.
The lender will want you to provide payroll vouchers, W-2 forms, investment and bank account information, details of the homeowner's insurance you’ve purchased, recent tax returns, a copy of the purchase agreement, and your identification.
You may also be required to supply income-related paperwork, such as child support or alimony, or big transactions into your accounts while putting together your down payment.
Consider making digital copies of your documentation using scanning apps, which are accessible on many mobile devices, for safekeeping and convenience.
Many lenders make it easy for you to upload some of the documents online and some even can securely and seamlessly import your information. However, maintaining paper copies in a file box is also a smart option, as many lenders still want paper copies.
When: Three days preceding the closure.
Your lender should send you the Closing Disclosure at least three days before the closing. Examine this paper carefully as it gives you the chance to confirm the details of your loan. Make sure the loan conditions and expenses correspond with what you agreed to when you signed the loan estimate.
Pay close attention to details like these. Additionally, buyer and seller costs will be detailed in the Closing Disclosure; confirm that these correspond to your purchase offer. Speak with your lender as soon as you can before closing day if you have any queries. Should you intend to settle your closing expenses using a wire transfer, make sure to place the order at least 24 to 72 hours in advance.
When: 24 hours before closure.
Arrange a last walk-through of the house with your Realtor to make sure everything meets your expectations. It is advisable to have your Realtor get in touch with the seller if you discover any issues, such as incomplete repairs or missing things that were needed.
Ascertain whether the seller will provide you with a closing cost credit to offset the issues, or how they intend to fix the issues. You must bring a cashier's check to the closing meeting if you do not intend to use a wire transfer to cover your closing costs. One is available from your bank.
When: Closing day.
Bring identification that has been granted by the government, such as a passport or driver's license; your lender can advise you on the kind of documentation required. Be ready to cover the down payment as well as additional closing charges.
When all goes as planned, remember to savor the occasion.