Welcome to Your New Home

Closing day marks the thrilling culmination of the home-buying journey; a day eagerly anticipated and celebrated. You’ve gone through many processes to get to this grand finale and can now enjoy living in your new home. 

Here is a summary of the closing and moving process:

1. Prepare for Closing Day

      • Review Your Closing Disclosure: At least three days before closing, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure (CD) from your lender, which outlines your loan terms, final closing costs, and what you need to bring on closing day. Review it carefully and contact your lender with any questions.
      • Complete a Final Walkthrough: Typically held 24 hours before closing, the final walkthrough lets you confirm the home’s condition, check that requested repairs are complete, and ensure everything is as agreed in the contract.
      • Gather Required Documentation: You’ll need a government-issued photo ID, proof of homeowner’s insurance, a certified or cashier’s check for your closing costs (or arrange a wire transfer), and any additional documents requested by your lender.

2. Attend the Closing Appointment

      • Sign Closing Documents: At the closing meeting, you’ll sign numerous documents, including the loan agreement, and other legal paperwork. Review each document carefully before signing.
      • Pay Closing Costs and Down Payment: You’ll pay your closing costs and down payment (either by certified check or wire transfer).
      • Transfer Ownership: Once everything is signed and funds are exchanged, the property’s title is transferred to you, officially making you the owner.
      • Receive the Keys: After the final paperwork is completed and funds are disbursed, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.

3. Handle Post-Closing Tasks

      • Change Your Address: Update your address with the postal service, financial institutions, subscriptions, and government agencies.
      • Set Up Utilities: Schedule service transfers for electricity, water, gas, internet, and other essential utilities to start on your move-in date.
      • Secure Homeowner’s Insurance: Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy is active, as it’s often required by lenders and provides important coverage from the start.

4. Prepare for Moving Day

      • Create a Moving Checklist and Timeline: Plan your move, including packing, arranging transportation, and preparing any items that require special handling. Make a timeline to ensure you stay organized.
      • Hire Movers or Arrange Transportation: Whether hiring professional movers or handling it yourself, schedule your moving day well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
      • Pack and Label Boxes: Start packing early, label boxes by room, and pack essentials separately for easy access on your first day.

5. Clean and Prepare the Home

      • Deep Clean (if Needed): A thorough clean before moving in makes settling in easier and more pleasant.
      • Inspect for Minor Repairs or Upgrades: If needed, take care of small repairs, painting, or updates before moving furniture in. It’s easier to handle these tasks in an empty home.

6. Move-In Day

      • Unload and Organize Essentials First: Focus on essential items such as kitchenware, toiletries, and bedding to make your first night comfortable.
      • Set Up Important Areas: Arrange the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom first, making them functional and accessible before unpacking everything else.
      • Install Safety Devices: Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and any security systems to ensure they’re working properly.

7. Settle Into Your New Home

      • Meet the Neighbors: Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to your neighbors, which can help you settle in and feel more connected to your new community.
      • Familiarize Yourself with the Home Systems: Locate the main water shut-off valve, breaker panel, and thermostat, so you know where these key components are.
      • Plan a Maintenance Schedule: Start a home maintenance schedule to keep your new home in great condition, including tasks like checking filters, testing smoke detectors, and scheduling regular system inspections.

Summary Checklist for Closing and Moving:

          1. Review Closing Disclosure and gather documents.
          2. Attend final walkthrough.
          3. Sign closing paperwork and pay closing costs.
          4. Change address, set up utilities, and confirm insurance.
          5. Pack, hire movers, and prepare the new home.
          6. Complete move-in tasks, unpack essentials, and settle in.

Completing these steps can make closing and moving as smooth as possible, ensuring a positive start in your new home!