Mr. & Ms. Buyer: You're under Contract. Now What?
First thing you should know is unlike some states, in North Carolina the house and the keys aren't yours until the deed is recorded. In Wake County, this typically happens between 2:00pm and 4:00pm in the afternoon. Therefore, do not have the moving truck show up in the morning. Don't have the cleaning crew waiting at the door. You won't have keys to your new home until late afternoon.
•1. Apply for your loan if you're getting one. Move funds if necessary. Stay on top of the loan process and send all required documents to your loan officer as requested and in a timely manner. This will most likely include giving the lender a check for the appraisal and credit report.
•2. Speak with your Realtor® about setting up inspections such as home inspection, radon test, pest inspection, septic, well, and any others. Plan to attend inspections if at all possible. Find out if you need to pay the inspector at the inspections or if they will be paid at closing.
•3. Ask your Realtor® to help you select an attorney for closing and coordinate a closing time.
•4. Choose an Insurance company for Homeowner's Insurance and get quote (perhaps check with more than one). You can call the company you currently use and/or ask your Realtor® for recommendations. You will need to provide proof of insurance prior to closing.
•5. Stay in contact with your Realtor® via phone/email and stay on top of any additional dates such as giving additional earnest money, due diligence date, and closing date.
•6. Find or Purchase Boxes and Start Packing and Discarding!
•7. Schedule your movers and cleaning crew (if desired) to arrive after deed is recorded.
•8. Provide all requested information to Attorney's office including your SS number. Also, let your Realtor®/Attorney know if you'd like a survey (highly recommend).
•9. Schedule utilities to be changed to your name no later than the day of closing. This may include electricity, water, Gas, phone and others.
•10. Review the Settlement Statement with your Realtor® for accuracy. This is where you'll find amount you are to bring to closing.
•11. Do final walk-thru the night before or day ofwith your Realtor®.
•12. Make sure you know where the attorney's office is located and what you need to bring.
•13. Arrive at closing on time with driver's license (photo id), certified check, and anything else requested.
•14. Sign! Sign! Sign!
Please keep in mind, this is a basic list. There will be additional steps involved especially if this is a short sale, foreclosure, or new construction purchase. If you are not attending the closing in person, you'll need to give additional instructions to your Realtor® and/or attorney. Always consult with your local Realtor® and allow them to guide you through the process.
*If you have something basic to add to the list, please do so!
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Keller Williams Preferred Realty
By Carla Freund Realty Team
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Very good advice for home buyers.
Enjoy the Independence Day celebrations and have an outstanding July.
Roy - Thanks so much! I hope you have a very enjoyable das as well!
Many home buyers are frustrated since they don't know the whole process to begin with. Homebuyers in your area would find this one very useful. Thanks for re-blogging. Have a great and safe 4TH of July. Great post.
Hi Lanre,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It seems there have been many buyers lately who do not realize they don't get their key to the house until the deed is recorded. My partner and & Have been selling homes for sometime and it hasn't been such a big deal in the past. Because we've run across so many folks lately who didn't realize this was the case, we decided to put together a basic "what to expect" disclosure for our clients. Our actual one is nicer and on letterhead. As you know, there's a lot more that goes between contract and close than what's on this list. I'm sure we'll revise it from time to time as well.
Have a wonderful 4th of July & Stay Safe!