Your offer on an Austin home has been accepted, and you've toasted the occasion with champagne (or maybe Dr Pepper). But you're not quite done. You still have a lot to do before you can move in. First and foremost, get together with your realtor and make sure that all the documents for the sale are correct. Usually they're done by the title company, but ask your realtor to check and double check them for mistakes that might delay, or in some instances, kill the sale. Even if the seller is "motivated," there have been situations where delays led a seller to back out (same thing for buyers). Here's a list of the other tasks you need to do to move your closing along.
- Notify the lender or mortgage company. Also inform the home insurance company agent, and it would be a good idea to bring in movers at this point for an estimate.
- Have your realtor schedule the closing with the title company.
- Do a final check with the realtor on all the documents, and be sure that any concessions the seller may have made, are incorporated in the paperwork.
- Closing costs, including service, title transfer and loan fees will be due when you sign the papers. Make arrangements for a cashiers' check in that amount to be ready.
- Sellers usually need a few days to move out. Be patient and understanding and give them as much time as is reasonable, usually up to 7 days.
- Be sure to take your time completing the closing, and put as much of the burden as possible onto your realtor.
