Closing day marks the end of your home-buying process and the beginning of your new life! To make sure your closing goes smoothly, you should bring the following:
• A certified check for closing costs and down payment. Usually you will make the check payable to the title company; any overages will be returned to you at closing; however, if there is a shortage, please be sure to have your checkbook handy at closing. Often there may be last minute changes to the costs due to utility charges or service fees, so be prepared for minor changes.
• An insurance binder and paid receipt
• Photo IDs
• Social security numbers
• Addresses for the past 10 years
At Closing, the transfer of title moves ownership of the property from the seller to you. The two events that make this happen are: delivery of the buyers funds (provided by you or your lender) to the seller and delivery of the deed.
A deed is the document that transfers ownership of real estate. The deed names the seller and buyer, gives a legal description of the property, and contains the notarized signatures of the seller and witnesses.
At the end of closing, the title company will take the deed and mortgage, if applicable, to the county clerk’s office for recording. A few weeks later, you will receive the original recorded deed (after the county processes it).