10 Steps:
1) Define Needs
2) Pre-Qualify
3) Local Info
4) Home Search
5) Make Offer
6) Negotiate
7) Vendors
8)
Pre-Close
9) Close
10) Post-Close
| 9. Closing On The Home
"Closing"
refers to the meeting where ownership of the property is legally transferred to
the buyer. It is a formal meeting in which most parties involved in the buying/selling
process will attend. Closing procedures are usually held at the title company's
office or lawyer's office. Your closing officer coordinates the document signing
and the collection and disbursement of funds. Your agent will generally be present
at your closing to read the documents on your behalf, answer any questions, or
help to resolve any last minute or unexpected details that may come up. In
order for the closing to go smoothly, each party involved should bring the necessary
documentation and be prepared to pay any related fees (closing costs). There may
be more than one form of acceptable payment for your closing costs so ask the
closing officer which form of payment will be required and to whom it should be
made out. Closing costs will generally total an amount equal to 2 to 3 percent
of the total loan value not including down payment and the buyer's escrow account.
Sellers sometimes pay for a portion or all of the closing costs, depending
on local market conditions, terms of the purchase contract, and the seller's cash
and timing considerations. Any such concessions should be acknowledged in writing.
Most lenders will allow a credit from the seller to the buyer for the non-recurring
closing costs. However, they usually won't allow a credit that reduces the amount
of the buyer's down payment or any of the buyer's recurring costs, such as expenses
for fire insurance premiums, PMI, or property taxes.
|
