Accepting an offer on your home or having an offer accepted is an exhilarating experience. It feels like the hard part is done, but the work is really just beginning.
Your closing date is the day that everything becomes official. It can feel like that day is approaching quickly, even if you’ve given yourself ample time.
Take a deep breath, relax, and use this list to help you know what needs to be done before your closing date.
Coordinate The Move
Coordinating the move is often the most stressful aspect of preparing for your home’s closing. On the one hand, you want everything packed and ready to go. On the other hand, you still need to live and exist in your current home.
Planning a move gets particularly frustrating if your selling and purchase closing dates don’t line up. Finding a professional moving service that offers storage and specialty services can help streamline the logistics of your move, according to Movers Orlando, FL | Your Professional Local Moving Company. Reach out to a professional mover for a quote the moment your offer is accepted.
Research And Transfer Utilities
In the weeks leading up to your closing date, you’ll need to contact your utility providers and transfer your services. It’s important to do this in advance, as there’s often a processing time. In most cases, service providers can’t switch your service with only a day’s notice.
If you’re moving to another state, you’ll need to research utility providers in your new region. If you’re moving to a deregulated state, you can select an energy service provider from the open market. Give yourself time to research, crunch numbers, and choose the best provider for your new home.
Forward Your Mail
Changing your address with the various institutions that require it is a time-consuming task. Buy yourself some time by arranging to have your mail forwarded to your new address. Then, work through an address change checklist in the days leading up to your closing date.
Give yourself buffer time with the mail forwarding in case there’s something you’ve forgotten to change. As mail comes in through the forwarding service, set it aside to ensure you’ve updated your address with the sender.
Deal With The Contingencies
Contingencies are a common addition to a home sale or purchase agreement. If you’re selling your home with contingencies, get these dealt with before your closing date. The day-of walk-through is meant to inspect and confirm that you’ve held up your side of the bargain. Failure to do so could cost you last-minute fees or cause the sale to fall through.
Prepare The Financials
If you’re buying a home, it’s worth getting pre-qualified for a mortgage to ensure the financials don’t fall through at the last minute. Set aside some time to prepare the financials, confirm the details with your bank, and ensure the money is where it should be for the closing date.
Change Your Insurance
Consider reaching out to your home insurance provider before your closing date to ensure your new home is covered. They’ll require details about the new home to prepare a quote. This isn’t something you’ll want to leave until the last minute, as home insurance is mandatory for some lenders and banks.
Contact A Lawyer
Once you’ve accepted an offer, contact a real estate lawyer to assemble and review everything for the closing date. If you have a lawyer for other purposes, they’ll be able to recommend a trusted real estate attorney.
Finalize The Closing Day Details
Finally, as the closing date approaches, contact your realtor to finalize the details. Keep your phone charged and ready, clear your day, and know where you have to be and when. Finalize the walk-through details, and clarify what’s expected of you.
Working with a knowledgeable realtor will give you the guidance you need as you navigate this huge life event. Organization and time management are essential to get through your move with minimal stress.
