Things You Need To Do Prior To Closing On Your House
 This is written for the benefit of Buyers

​    Welcome to your Closing on a House Checklist—a rundown of everything home buyers need to do in the 11th hour before they get their hands on those keys. Because when you're approaching the finish line in your home-buying journey, you want nothing to go wrong,  But for a buyer, it’s important not to let the little things slide to your closing day. Here are some a short list of things to do before closing on a house.  Your move-in might prove a (more) seamless affair.


Immediately Upon Acceptance of the Final Contract:

• Order a home inspection
• Order a Termite Clearance Letter (although no longer required, still recommended)
• Determine if you would like a radon inspection and order it from the home inspector
• Provide your lender with a copy of the contract and discuss locking in your interest rate (Remember: You will usually have five days from the date of the contract to apply for the mortgage loan, which is why it’s important to be pre-approved before you start looking for a home)

During the Home Inspection:

• Take any measurements for furniture, window treatments, appliances, etc. that you may need
• Take any photos of the house, if desired
• Ask the home inspector any questions you may have concerning the home’s condition or construction

One to Two weeks Following the Acceptance Date of the Final Contract:

• Have your agent create a list of items, noted by the home inspector, that you request the seller to remedy
• Reserve a moving truck or schedule a moving service
• Schedule the closing date with the attorney
• Notify lender to order appraisal

Two Weeks Before Closing Date:

• Contact insurance company to set up homeowner’s policy to be in effect day of closing
• Call lender and inquire if additional information is needed
• Get a change of address package from the post office and begin notification process

One Week Before Closing:

• Make contact with lender to ensure that closing date is on schedule
• Get directions to closing attorney’s office (Your agent will usually provide this information)
• Schedule utility transfers
• Request certified funds for closing (some funds take three days to clear – for stocks, home equity loans, etc.)
• Order a survey if desired

Three Days Before Closing:

• Ask closing attorney for a HUD 1 Settlement Agreement
• Verify that repair items in the inspection amendment have been addressed
• Consider purchasing title insurance and discuss the benefits with your real estate agent
• Request all copies of the paperwork from the closing attorney if you plan to read each one in detail, since there will not be time to read over everything at the closing itself

Day Before Closing:

• Conduct a walk-through to verify the condition of the house is the same as when placed under contract
• Be sure to double-check that inspection items have been addressed
• Get certified funds for closing
• Review the HUD 1 Settlement Agreement to verify that the terms of the contract are correct

Day of Closing:

• Bring photo ID
• Bring certified funds
• Bring copy of insurance policy
• Bring any additional documents requested by the lender

Things You Need To Do After Closing On Your House
 This is written for the benefit of Buyers

    After you finish signing at the closing of your new house, you’re handed the keys and the house is officially yours. But there some things you should do to make sure your transition from your old place to your new address goes as smoothly as possible.. But before you spend the first night, you have some preparing to do. To make the transition into your next location safe and enjoyable, 

COPY AND STORE HOUSING DOCUMENTS. After the closing, make three copies of your house closing documents. Store the originals in a safe-deposit box at your financial institution, and keep one set accessible in your home (preferably in a fireproof safe). You can allow home insurance providers to borrow the third copy as they set up your coverage.

CHANGE THE LOCKS. Replace the manual lock sets on all the home’s exterior entry doors. Don’t forget about any doors connecting an enclosed garage, greenhouse or pool to the main part of your home. Check storage sheds and detached garages for locks that need to be updated, as well.

UPDATE ALL KEYPAD CODES. Reset the numeric entry codes for electronic garage doors, gates and any other entry doors in the home. If the previous owner didn’t leave any instructions, look up the keypad manufacturer online, where many offer instructions for resetting their units.

PERSONALIZE THE MAILBOX AND FRONT DOORBELL BUTTON. Add your name and fresh address numbers, if they appear worn.

ADJUST THE HOT WATER HEATER. If you have small children in the home, dial the water temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to reduce the risk of unexpected bathwater burns.

SCHEDULE A DEEP CLEANING. If you have carpet, a swimming pool, a hot tub or a home gym, you’ll want these areas professionally sanitized before moving in. Central vacuum and HVAC units should also be inspected.

UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS. Supply your employer, financial intuitions, loan companies, insurance providers, utilities and any business you frequently make payments to with your updated contact details. Luckily, much of this work can be completed online.

VISIT THE LOCAL SCHOOLS. Let the school districts know your family will be moving to the area soon and you have children who need to transfer to a new school. Your current school district will initiate this process by collecting pertinent paperwork as soon as you tell them you’re relocating.
MEASURE YOUR WINDOWS. While you have clear access, decide what types of window treatments you want, measure the spaces and start shopping. You can also hire an interior designer to conduct this work, while you prep the rest of the house. Once you move in, you’ll want privacy as you unpack.

FRESHEN THE INTERIOR. If you need to paint, replace flooring, add closet organizers, update light fixtures or replace cabinetry, do it before bringing your furniture and personal items into the home.

BE SOCIAL. Pick some flowers from your garden or make a batch of cookies and head out to meet your new neighbors. Exchange names and phone numbers, and ask about neighborhood social gatherings. If you have children, you could also inquire about play groups in the area.
Settling down into your new house shouldn’t be stressful. Use this new home checklist to feel prepared and excited about your upcoming move. If you need assistance selling your old home, visit Owners.com for more information and helpful tips, tricks and advice.​
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