When the day
finally arrives for closing on your new home it is really helpful if you are
prepared for all the paperwork you will be looking at. Typically, we will
meet at a title company in order to facilitate all the documentation that needs
to be done.
A lot of
people are anxious about sitting down across the table from the sellers.
Not to worry, because today buyers and sellers almost always close at different
times.
Upon arrival
you will be introduced to an escrow officer with the title company. He or
she will walk you step by step through the closing process and in most cases
I will be there also to help answer questions. Prior to the closing you
will be provided with a settlement statement showing all of the costs you
will incur during closing. I will try and go over all of these costs to
help you understand them. You can also go to
Explaining Closing Costs
to get a written explanation and a sample of a settlement statement.
After all the
forms are signed (and after you write your check!) the escrow officer will
proceed with recording the deed. Technically, the property is not yours
until after the recording which may be a couple of hours later. Most of the
time the officer will go ahead and give you the keys and garage door opener
right away, but be prepared that there may be a few hours delay before you can
start moving.