Contact the utility companies about establishing service in your name. Arrange for electricity, gas, and water to be turned on in your name on the day of closing so that there will be no interruption in service. Make these arrangements a few weeks in advance, since utility companies may require deposits, credit checks, and advance notice.
Make a home buying file. Organize all documents associated with the transaction in one place. Your file should include the purchase agreement, the title, mortgage documents, closing data, inspection reports, insurance forms, and tax records. This small step can prevent big headaches come tax time and, on the day, you refinance or sell your home.
One of the final steps is the closing. In some areas, a title company will handle this process and in other areas, it is done by a lawyer. A few days before the deal is set to close, you will do your final walk-through inspection of the property to make sure it is in an acceptable condition. After that, you’ll meet with your lawyer to review, sign, and get copies of all the documentation. At this time, you’ll also provide the remainder of your payment and pay legal fees and any additional costs, such as prepaid utility expenses for which the seller should be reimbursed, that are due on closing.
TYPICAL CLOSING COSTS:
- Property or title transfer taxes
- Appraisal fees
- Legal fees
- Home inspection
- Home insurance
- Seller reimbursement for prepaid taxes/utilities
- Mortgage insurance (if <20% down payment)
- Title insurance
- Moving costs
