A Buyer's Checklist: Everything You Need To Bring To Closing

Closing on a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. There are many things to keep track of and prepare for, and it's important to make sure you have everything you need to bring to closing. Here is a buyer's checklist to help you ensure that you have everything you need:

Government-issued ID: You will need to bring a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to closing. This is to verify your identity and ensure that you are who you say you are.

Cashier's check or wire transfer: You will need to bring a cashier's check or wire transfer to cover the remaining balance of the purchase price. Be sure to confirm the amount with your lender or attorney beforehand, and bring a receipt to closing.

Proof of homeowners insurance: You will need to bring proof that you have purchased homeowners insurance to closing. This is to protect your new home and your investment.

Closing disclosure: Your lender will provide you with a closing disclosure that outlines the final terms of your mortgage loan, including the interest rate, closing costs, and other fees. Be sure to review this document carefully before closing.

Homeowner's association documents: If the property you're buying is part of a homeowner's association (HOA), you will need to bring the HOA documents to closing. This will include the bylaws, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), as well as any other relevant HOA documents.

Original copy of the purchase contract: You will need to bring the original copy of the purchase contract to closing. This will be the document that you signed when you made the offer on the home.

Proof of funds for closing costs: You will need to bring proof of funds to cover the closing costs associated with the purchase. These costs may include things like appraisal fees, inspection fees, title search fees, and attorney's fees.

Power of attorney (if applicable): If you are unable to attend the closing in person, you may need to bring a power of attorney to authorize someone else to act on your behalf.

Any other documents requested by your lender or attorney: Your lender or attorney may ask you to bring other documents to closing, such as your tax returns or pay stubs. Be sure to ask them what they need and bring everything they ask for.

Moving and utility plans: You will want to bring your moving and utility plan with you to closing. It will help you to coordinate your move and ensure that you have your utilities turned on when you move in.

Pest Inspection Report: If your purchase contract requires a pest inspection, you will want to bring the report with you to closing.

Homeowners association documents: If the property you're buying is part of a homeowners association (HOA), you will need to bring the HOA documents to closing. This will include the bylaws, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), as well as any other relevant HOA documents.

By bringing all of these items to closing, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you are able to take ownership of your new home without any delays. Remember, it's always best to check with your lender or attorney to confirm what they need and ask any questions you may have.

In addition, it is important to remember that closing can be a long and detailed process, so it is highly recommended to take a final walk-through of the property before the closing day to ensure that everything is in order, and any agreed-upon repairs or upgrades are made by the seller and that the property is in the same condition as when you last saw it. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that there are no surprises on closing day.

Lastly, it is also important to have your real estate agent present during closing, as they can help to answer any questions you may have and ensure that everything goes smoothly. They can also help to review all of the documents and make sure that everything is in order before you sign.

In conclusion, buying a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. By having a checklist of everything you need to bring to closing, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you are able to take ownership of your new home without any delays. Remember to bring your government-issued ID, cashier's check or wire transfer, proof of homeowners insurance, closing disclosure, homeowner's association documents, original copy of the purchase contract, proof of funds for closing costs, power of attorney (if applicable), any other documents requested by your lender or attorney, moving and utility plans, pest inspection report and homeowners association documents. And also don't forget to have your real estate agent present during closing and take a final walk-through of the property before closing day. With all these in mind, you can rest assured that your closing will be a success.