The day of closing is the goal at the end of a long and complex homebuying journey. Like every step of the process, closing on a new home has multiple smaller steps and variables to prepare for. Luckily, there are some simple ways to get ready for the closing process. Here are the most important things you should have on closing day:
Photo ID
You’ll need to verify your identity with the title company that’s responsible for the loan closing. It’s important that everyone who has their name on the loan bring their own form of identification.
Cashier’s check (cash to close)
A cashier’s check from the bank will be necessary to pay your closing costs. Closing costs can include the down payment, prepaid interest, property taxes and insurance fees. The cashier’s check for closing costs is commonly referred to as “cash to close.”
Closing disclosure document
The closing disclosure is an essential form involved in the loan process. This document lists the final terms and costs of your mortgage. You’ll get this form from your lender at least a few business days before closing.
Proof of insurance
Bring proof of a homeowners insurance policy with you on closing day. Homeowners insurance is required by your lender to issue final approval on the mortgage. You can typically use the policy declaration page from your insurance provider for this purpose.
Professional representation
Closing on a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you can make, and it’s critical to have somebody with you who’s protecting your interests. It’s recommended that you have a closing agent or a real estate attorney present on the closing day.
Closing on a home is a major event and the final step in your homebuying process. To prevent delays, make sure you remember this list of the essentials before the day arrives.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
