Closing day, and the walkthrough before it
What to bring, what to check the day before, and when you actually get the keys.
4 minute read
Closing is mostly signing. The part that matters happens the day before, and almost nobody treats it seriously enough.
The final walkthrough
Usually the day before or the morning of. It is not a second inspection - it is confirming that the house is in the condition you agreed, that agreed repairs were done, and that nothing broke while it was being emptied.
Run the taps. Test the heating and the cooling. Open the garage door. Check the appliances that were supposed to stay are still there. Look where furniture used to be, because that is where damage hides.
If something is wrong, raise it before closing. Afterwards your leverage is gone.
What to bring
Government photo ID. Your funds, already wired or as a cashier’s check. Proof of homeowners insurance if your lender has not confirmed it.
On wiring: confirm the details by phone on a number you already had, never a number from an email. Wire fraud in property closings is common and the money does not come back.
What happens at the table
You sign a stack of documents. The two worth slowing down for are the note, which is your promise to repay, and the deed of trust, which secures the loan against the house.
You have already seen the numbers on the closing disclosure. If anything differs from it, stop and ask.
When you actually own it
Signing is not the end. The funds have to be released and the deed recorded, and depending on where you are that can be the same afternoon or a day or two later.
Ask when you get keys. Do not book movers for an hour after signing.
The short version
- The walkthrough is the day that matters. Actually test things.
- Confirm wire details by phone, on a number you already had.
- Keys come at recording, not at signing. Ask when that is.
This is general information, not advice about your situation. Zoila Moscoso can tell you what applies to you.
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