Checklist for Home Buyers

Buying a home is a complicated and often confusing process. This “Contract to Close” checklist helps you keep track of all the details.

  1. Contract signed and dated
  2. Earnest money given
  3. Make loan application and provide lender with all requested documents ASAP
  4. Instruct lender to order appraisal
  5. Keep lender Good Faith Estimate to compare to final closing documents
  6. DO NOT MAKE MAJOR PURCHASES that could change loan ratios and jeopardize loan
  7. Get a home inspection and negotiate repairs
  8. Termite Inspection
  9. Septic Inspection if applicable 
  10. Other inspections – radon, mold, structural
  11. Give all contract documents to closing agent/attorney and set up closing date/time
  12. Ask closing agent  how you should bring funds to close – wire/ cashier’s check
  13. Inform closing attorney if Power of Attorney, death certificates, other docs are required
  14. Get an estimate from moving company and get on the books
  15. Get utility information from seller and call utilities to arrange for transfer
  16. Ask for repair receipts
  17. Change address for mail, newspaper and magazine subscriptions
  18. Obtain property insurance
  19. Make arrangements for key transfer and garage door openers at closing
  20. Confirm with closing agent and lender that everything is set for close and loan approved
  21. Review Preliminary HUD (settlement statement) 24-hrs prior to close if possible
  22. Close.  Closing company records the deed and the home is YOURS!

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