The Closing Checklist

  Often times, in a rush to close, buyers and sellers often forget to verify important information on closing documents and contracts. We get so wrapped up in the excitement of moving into our new home or moving on to our next home that we forget about all the details. Ultimately, your real estate agent and closing attorney should ensure that all contracts and paperwork are in order for closing, but it is your responsibility to verify. The following is a checklist for both buyer and seller to keep you informed and your bases covered. And as always, if you have any legal questions, please consult an attorney for legal advice.

Buyer's Home Closing Checklist

• Have you made a final walk-thru inspection of the property?
• Is the condition of the house or property as it should be? Are there any personal property items left behind by the Seller. Is everything in working order? Did you order a Home Warranty policy for future repairs? If so, did you review that policy?
• Are you satisfied that the Seller provided you with all required disclosure documents or any known defects on the property?
• Have you carefully reviewed your mortgage closing documents? Are the lender's closing costs as they represented they would be? Are there any "junk fees" added on that you do not agree to? Are the names correct on the mortgage or Deed of Trust documents?
• Is the loan amount, interest rate, term of the loan, and prepayment penalty correctly stated? When will your first mortgage payment be due? Where will the payment be made?
• Do you agree with the title fees being paid to the title company, attorney, or escrow agency? Are they the same as previously quoted to you?
• Do you understand the prorations, those items or costs of which you will pay a portion of or be given a credit for? Are the prorated dates and amounts correct?
• It is clear on which day you will take possession of the property? Will the Seller hand over the keys on the day of closing or at a later date?
• Is the purchase price correct on the closing documents?
• Have you been credited for all deposits put into escrow either by you or on your behalf?
• Is your name correct on the grant deed? Is it spelled correctly, and does it include your correct middle initial? Is the manner in which you will take title stated correctly? Is the legal description of the property correct? Does this description conform with the one given in the title report? Are all the easements and rights-of-way properly listed?
• Were any questionable items on the title report removed or explained to your satisfaction?
• If there is any personal property included, are you being given a Bill of Sale, and do you agree with the items included?
• Are you paying for fire insurance yourself outside of escrow or through the closing agent? Is the premium correct and is the policy for a full year?
• Are the property taxes being paid in full? Ask when the next property tax bill will become due.
• Does your state allow a Homestead exemption? If so, and you want to choose this option, ask how you file for Homestead exemption status.
• Check that the return address on the Deed is where you will want the recorded Deed to be sent. (you will want to keep this official document in a safe place).

Seller's Home Closing Checklist

• Have you removed all your personal property items, not included as part of the contract?
• Have you left the property in the condition you promised you would?
• Is the Sale Price and payoff information correct on your closing documents?
• Were you given credit for any items agreed upon to be credited to your account?
• Is a satisfaction of mortgage or payoff document being prepared for your old loan?
• If you will be signing a Bill of Sale for personal property items, are those correct?
• Are the prorations of taxes or homeowner's dues correct? Check the dates on these debit and credit items.
• Do you know what day you must vacate the property? Is it the day of closing?
• Have you agreed to perform any repairs or other work before or after closing?
• Are the title and closing costs as you understood them to be?
• Is the attorney fee, closing agent, transfer tax, or title insurance fees correct?
• Did you correctly make any disclosures as required by your state or federal law to the new buyer? Or, did you sell the property in "as is" condition?
• If there was a Realtor involved in the sale, is that fee correct?
• Is any money being held back in escrow on your behalf? If so, how and when will it be released?
• Have you already called and transferred or cancelled utilities at your old address?
• Have you notified the post office of address change?

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