_The closing is when you sign all of the final paperwork and get the keys to your home!

All charges (down payment, closing fees, pre-paids, title work, inspection fees, etc.) and all credits (your earnest money, property tax from sellers, loan amount) are all listed on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

Closing usually takes place at an abstract company, Guarantee Abstract or Main Street Title, at a bank or real estate office.

Here is a checklist to prepare you for closing.

a day or two before closing...

• Call utility companies and have utilities turned on in your name, starting on the closing date.

• Have your mail sent to your new address. You can submit The Official Change of Address Form online or at the post office.
• After receiving the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and making sure it looks okay, you have the option of wiring money to the closing office instead of bringing a cashier's check.
  

bring to closing...

• Cashier's check payable to the closing office (unless you wired the amount already)

• Driver's license or photo ID

• Your spouse - whether they are on the loan or not
  

within 30 days after closing...

• If you did not get a Home Warranty when purchasing the home, you can still purchase one within 30 days of closing, if you'd like to.
  

• If you have a loan on the home, you also purchased the Lender's Title Insurance. That only covers the lender if something was overlooked and someone claims the property in the future. You might consider Owner's Title Insurance, especially if you have put your own money down on the house. Ask the title company about this.
  

• File for Homestead Exemption in person at the Court House. If this is your primary residence, this may save you some money on your property tax in the next tax year. You must own and reside in the property by January 1, file the deed by February 1 and file for Homestead Exemption by March 15 (in person).

Contact me  with any questions. See you at closing!

Thank you!
Ty Tompkins
580-402-0408