Jack slammed the door when he came home and their wedding picture hit the floor.  Their was a smash of glass.  They had replaced the door glass with plastic after the first time Jack slammed the door.  “Woa MR, you march right back outside and try that entrance again.”  Jill said crossly.  Jack and Jill had decided, when they were dating, that they would never bring home the frustration they had gained at work or where ever.  Sure they would talk about it, but no taking it out on the door or each other.  “Sorry dear,” Jack replied, “my day well…its’ better now that I have come in for the second time.”  And that’s one of the small things they did together that they both truly loved and respected.  So Jack closed the door gently, picked up the next checkpoint from the kitchen table and read…….

#13 What Happens Right Before You Get the Keys

Every contract has a closing date on it.  Most contracts say something like “On or before this date.”  This date is the date you have been waiting for.  It’s time for CD, Funding and Cookies…..OH MY!  WHAT? CD, Funding and Cookies, OH MY!  WHAT?   CD, Funding and Cookies…OH YES!  About a week before the special day(this timeline can vary) your title company will receive the closing instructions from your lender.  The title company takes those instructions and prepares the initial CLOSING DISCLOSURE(aka closing statement).  The CD as it’s commonly called contains all of the charges for the buyer and the seller and it’s format is uniform.  Your lender and your REALTOR will be familiar with the format and how to explain the various charges.  The preliminary CD goes to your lender and the seller.  They are both checking to make sure that all the numbers are correct.  Your lender gave the instructions to the letter.  Once the two parties agree the FINAL CD is generated.  This does not mean that the CD is perfect…you should always review your final CD; you may find that the changes you thought were being made have been missed.  Compare your CD to the Good Faith Estimate that your lender provided.  Differences can be reviewed on page number three, I believe.  The final CD tells you the amount you need to bring to the closing.  That will be in a cashiers check(certified funds) and in most cases it is payable to the title company since they distribute all the funds.  NOTE…ASK WHO TO MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT TO and get the spelling right.  If the cashiers check is wrong in name or dollar amount you will not be able to get your keys.  Some title company’s will allow you to have your closing check wired to their account instead of having bringing a cashiers check.  Wiring funds is tricky, make sure you get written instructions from the title company at least five days prior so you can execute those directions correctly.

To get your keys from here there are six final steps:

1)      Verify that you walked through the home prior to closing and that it is as you expected it to be.

2)      Receive any receipts from agreed upon repairs

3)      You present your portion of the money in the form of a cashiers check(certified funds)

4)      Your lender has wired their money to the title company and the title company has confirmed receipt (aka the file has funded)

5)      The seller signs their portion of the closing documents and presents a photo id

6)      You, the buyer(s), sign your portion of the closing documents and present your photo id(s)

It is important to note that not all closings will fund the same day, which means that you may not be able to walk away with the keys that day.  You will still own the real estate, but think about it; the Title Company has to get the money from your bank, payoff the sellers mortgage and pay the REALTORS and themselves.  Nothing is truly final until everyone gets paid.

Your closing will probably start on time, and it will take some time to get through the paperwork.  Your closer will present you the papers to sign, one by one and can explain what you are signing and answer your questions.  It’s your closing so take the time to read what you sign, don’t feel rushed.  Your closing could take a couple of hours so it’s better to take the rest of the day off from work.  Title Company’s handle the six steps above in different order and some title company’s have fresh cookies and some have gourmet coffee.  But your not buying cookies, your buying real estate.  Once all the steps have been completed—- it’s time to call all your friends and tell them what time to meet you at your old place so they can start moving boxes.

“I love me some fresh cookies,” Jack said. “Cookies or no cookies it sounds like we might need to practice signing our names so we don’t get a cramp,” Jill said with a smile.  “Jill, do you realize that this is the second to the last checkpoint,” Jack asked?  “I guess class is almost over.  We are fixing to graduate from home buyer learner to home buyer,” Jill said with a grin.  And that night they made their own fresh cookies, peanut butter, chocolate chip and a chocolate peanut butter that didn’t turn out so well. They were finding that the checkpoints were helping them to become less fearful of the home buying process.  They knew they needed help, lender, home inspector, and definitely their own REALTOR.  They were truly ready for the final check point entitled:

“Jack and Jill Ask More Questions & Follow UP…The Home Buyers Checklist You’ve Been Looking for (15 of 15)”

We hope you’re enjoying our series and that it helps you on your way to……….

Live Life to the Fullest,

S.C.