The ultimate closing day checklist for first-time home buyers
Now that you’ve been approved for a mortgage, it’s time to start planning your checklist to get you ready to move into your new home. Closing on a house is the last stage of the home buying process and many first-time borrowers don’t realize that closing isn’t just for the mortgage lender. There are a few necessary steps that you, as the buyer, need to take before and after your closing date to ensure that there are no unexpected surprises when it comes to moving in. And they are not exclusively associated with planning your telecom services for your new home.
What do I need to do before my closing day?
Before your closing day, it’s advised to hire movers or book a moving van (if required) well in advance to ensure they are available on your move day. It’s also a good idea to start collecting cardboard boxes or bins so you can get everything packed up on time. If you are moving into a condominium, be sure to book a moving elevator well before your closing date. Now is also a great time to schedule cable, Internet and utilities to be set up at your new address after your moving date. That way you can have everything set up soon after you move in.
Another crucial step in the closing process is to make sure you have a lawyer to take you to the end of closing. Their job is to ensure that all of the terms of your purchase agreement are met and you receive a clear title to the property. Be sure to book some time with your realtor for your buyer revisits to your new property before closing as well. This will allow you to take any measurements or do any inspections if needed before moving in.
If you’re getting a mortgage, it’s mandatory to get home insurance. It’s important to have as it helps protect your home and its contents in case of theft, loss or damage to the inside and outside of your property. Generally, buyers get home insurance before closing on their home to ensure they have enough coverage and so that their home is insured the moment they move in.
Here’s a summary of steps to take before closing:
- Be sure to have a lawyer for closing
- Book buyer revisits with your realtor
- Get home insurance
- Hire movers if required and book an elevator if you are moving into a condo
- Schedule cable, internet and utilities to be set up after your move in date
What do I need to do after my closing day?
Once you’ve closed on your home, you should notify your utilities provider of the change in ownership at your new address and ensure that any service providers or utilities at your old address are deactivated or transferred to the new owner.
Don’t forget to change the address for everything that’s relevant. This includes things like your ID, mailing addresses and your registered business address if you’re self-employed. Optional steps to take are to change the locks on all the doors and do a deep clean so you move in with a fresh start.
Here’s a summary of steps to take after closing:
- Change ownership of utilities at your new address
- Deactivate or transfer utilities at your old address
- Change your mailing address
- Change the locks
- Do a deep clean
Now that I’ve completed my checklist, what happens on closing day?
We know closing on a property can be a lot but having a checklist to follow and knowing exactly what goes on before and after closing will make the process a lot smoother. On your closing day, your solicitor will coordinate the transfer of funds between the lender and seller. You will be required to provide your down payment via bank draft and the home is then transferred to your name. Your mortgage is funded by your lender and you will receive the keys to your new property and the title deed. Now the property is officially yours!