Closing Day

It's arrived. After 45 days, you're finally at closing day.

The pre-closing Walk Through

Today you're going do to a walk-through of your home with your HomeProp agent to make sure your new home is still standing; that it is prepared to be delivered to you in the condition described in your purchase contract - swept clean, empty of the prior owner's belongs, without any new defects that were not discovered during your diligence process. Here are some things to watch out for especially:

- Are all the appliances there? The sellers haven't taken the fridge or a light fixture, unexpectedly, have they?

- Are there any new damages that have come to light? if a rug was moved, is the floor in good condition underneath? Was artwork hiding wall damage? Was seller property blocking you from seeing a significant deficiency?

- Is the home empty of the seller's belongings? You don't want to have to pay to dispose of trash that the seller should have taken with them.

We know that you desperately want to close, but don't let your eagerness rush you into closing on a home with potentially-costly new items that are now your responsibility.

Contract Review and Funds

By now, you should have thoroughly reviewed your closing documents and wired funds to the title agent. There should be no surprises when you get to the closing table. Review for changes or omissions, then sign

Get Your Keys and Celebrate.

One Realtor I knew used to bring a cake to closing. Some present gifts to their clients. All that is fun. But the big takeaway are the keys - make sure you get them. And don't leave without the garage remotes! The mood at the closing table is sometimes solSometimestimes it's celebratory. If the weeks after contract and before sale were full of disputes and frustrations over property condition, repairs, or other things, then it might be wise to ask for separate buyer and seller closing appointments. Because today is about your future. The past is moving on and you're getting ready to take possession of your new home. Make it a memorable and happy moment - one that you'll always remember.