Buyers
From Acceptance To Closing
Here’s what you should know about the process (all will be explained in detail when we meet for a visit)…
EXECUTED CONTRACT & CHECKS - Once you have made an offer with copies of your Option Fee and Earnest Money checks attached, and all signatures have been obtained from you and the seller, your original Earnest Money check will be forwarded to the Title Company along with a copy of the “Executed Contract”. Your original Option Fee check will be presented to the seller. If this is NOT part of a Relocation Package, your Option Period will begin the day following the “date of execution”. Additional documents may require your signature throughout the process.
OPTION PERIOD & INSPECTIONS – The day following the execution date on the contract, your Option Period begins. During this time, your loan documents will begin the process through your lender and you will want to schedule inspections to begin as quickly as possible. You will want to schedule inspections at a time most convenient for you to be in attendance so that the inspector can speak freely and acquaint you to your new home. There may be several inspectors needed such as General, Structural, Termite, Septic, etc.
If it is determined that repairs are needed to move forward, we will convey this information to the Seller’s Agent on a “Repair Amendment” with your signature along with the Inspection Report. Negotiations may require your signature on several more documents. Once everyone agrees to the requested repairs, this document will become a part of the contract.
INTERIM PERIOD – You and your lender will be working diligently to complete the loan process, and an appraisal, survey, etc. will be ordered as required. You will also use this time to order Homeowner’s Insurance and line up movers and utilities.
UTILITIES – Contact utility companies several days prior to closing in case they need an extended period of time to set you up in order to avoid an interruption in service. Deposits may also be required. The utility transfer date should be the same date as closing or the day after if the Seller will be keeping them on.
FINAL WALK-THROUGH – Prior to closing, we will schedule your “Final Walk-Through” so that you can go back through the home to make sure it is as expected. If time permits, the morning of closing is best. You will want to pay special attention to any requested repairs to make sure they have been completed.
CLOSING – Prior to closing, the Title Company will prepare a HUD or Closing Statement which will include actual amounts owed or due to the buyer and/or seller. If you have not received a call from the Title Company or the HUD Statement before leaving for closing, please call them and verify any money to be paid by you.
Closing usually takes between 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours. Both spouses must be present to sign at closing and a photo ID will be required. You can use your Texas Driver’s License or a passport. If a spouse is expected to be out-of-town, you MUST get a “Power of Attorney” document which will allow the available spouse to sign on behalf of both. Please let me know ASAP so I can let the Title Company know in order to make preparations for this.
After all signatures are obtained, the Escrow Officer will forward the documents to the buyer’s lender for final approval to release the funds. Only after the funds are released is the process completed so that the buyer can take possession and receive the keys to their new home. If for some reason the lender does not fund (possibly due to timing issues especially for closings after 2PM), possession will not take place until funding has taken place. If closing is scheduled for a Friday afternoon, it is possible finding may not take place until Monday. You will need to plan accordingly.
To closing, bring with you:
- Your Current Driver’s License or other form of photo I.D. such as a Passport
- Envelope containing all keys, remotes, warranty info and any other paperwork pertaining to the house
- Personal check if funds are to be wired into your account
There are many other To-Do items that will be going on behind the scenes. Please call or email me with any questions or concerns. It is truly a joy and delight working with you and I thank you for allowing me to play a role in the process.
Steps Before Closing...>