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20 Feb 2025
As you approach the exciting conclusion of your home-buying journey, ensuring a smooth transition is key. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the essential final steps before stepping into your dream home.
Secure Financing: Finalise your mortgage if you haven’t already. Confirm all details with your lender, including interest rates and monthly payments. Understanding your financial obligations is crucial to avoid any surprises.
Conduct a Home Inspection: A professional inspection is indispensable. It can reveal potential issues like structural defects or aging systems. This step is your chance to negotiate repairs or adjust your offer, ensuring you’re not caught off guard by costly repairs later.
Review the Closing Disclosure: Before closing, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure. This document outlines your loan’s final terms and closing costs. Compare it with your initial Loan Estimate to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Title Search and Insurance: Ensure a title search is completed to verify the seller’s legal right to sell the property. Title insurance protects you from future ownership disputes, offering peace of mind.
Prepare for Closing Costs: Allocate funds for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. These can include fees like loan origination, appraisal, and escrow.
Final Walk-Through: Inspect the property one last time before closing. Check that all agreed-upon repairs are completed and the house is in the expected condition.
Closing Day Procedures: On closing day, you’ll sign numerous documents to finalise the purchase. Ensure you understand each document and ask questions if needed.
Transition Utilities: Set up utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and internet to be operational from day one in your new home.
Completing these steps meticulously is key to a seamless home-buying experience. They represent the culmination of your hard work and dedication on the journey to homeownership. Enjoy the excitement of this final phase, knowing everything is in place for a smooth transition to owning and enjoying your new home.
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