Closing day is the finish line of for every real estate transaction.
Getting there isn’t always easy. There are many facets that must fall into place that allow closing to happen and there are many parties involved that help get you there.
Closing isn’t over until all documents are signed and the proper money has exchanged hands. It’s important that as a buyer or seller you’re prepared for closing, since there are instances where one oversight could cause the transaction to fall apart or be delayed on closing day.
In this post, we’ll outline the ultimate closing day checklist to ensure that your Knoxville closing goes smoothly.
Confirm Closing Time & Location
This one may seem obvious, but it this is one oversight that happens more than you think. We cannot tell you how many times that a buyer or seller shows up at the wrong location on closing day.
It’s important to know where and when closing is taking place. You don’t want to assume that it’s happening at a title company’s office or at your realtor’s office without confirming. While many of our closings happen in our office, there are times where it’s more convenient for all parties for it to close offsite.
Just be sure you know where to show up on the day of closing. You don’t want to be having to speed 45 minute across town in order to make it closing.
Come Prepared
When you’re in the process of moving, things can be a little crazy. It’s important that you know what you’ll need to have with you on the day of closing to ensure that you’re not left scrambling.
Closing Funds
In most cases, if you’re bringing funds for closing, you won’t be able to just write a personal check. It’s important that you’ve verified how you need to be bringing funds for closing.
Here is our policy for closing funds:
- Personal checks are acceptable for amounts below $1,000.
- Cashier’s checks or certified closing funds are acceptable for amounts below $50,000.
- Wires are required for all closing funds of $50,000 and greater.
- Wires are required on all cash transactions.
- If you’re closing on another home prior to closing with us, you’ll want to contact us about having that title company wire us your proceeds.
Identification
Bringing a form of identification to closing may seem obvious; however, in the process of a move, it can be easy to forget to bring identification or the correct form of identification.
Generally, only one form of identification is needed at closing, but there are some mortgage lenders that require two forms of identification be presented at closing. So, as a buyer, it’s best to be prepared and have two on you at closing so you’re not left scrambling.
You’ll be required to show a government issued form of identification. Here are a few examples of acceptable forms of identification in this category:
- Driver’s License
- State Issued ID Card
- Passport
- Foreign ID Card
- Military ID
- Social Security Card
In addition, if a secondary form of identification is needed, you’ll need to present a form of identification that has your name on it. Here are a few examples of acceptable forms of identification in this category:
- Property Tax Bill
- Utility Bill
- Recent W-2
- Voter Registration Card
- Insurance Card
If you’re unsure about if a form of identification is acceptable, be sure to check with your title company or mortgage lender prior to closing.
Make Sure That Your Last Minute Details Are Covered
Finally, be sure that there are no last-minute details that you are neglecting. Did you need to bring your most recent paycheck to closing? Were you supposed to bring all of your keys and garage door openers? Or, were you supposed to bring a check to help pay for repairs?
Check in with your mortgage company, realtor or title company to ensure that there’s nothing you’re forgetting for closing. When you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, it can be easy to forget important details. But, on closing day of all days, that’s not a time you want to forget an essential item.
Are you in the process of buying or selling a home in the Knoxville area? Title Group would love to assist you in any way possible. You can reach us at 865-392-5801 or via email at orders@titlegroupoftn.com.
Title Group of Tennessee is a full-service Knoxville title company. We specialize in Knox, Sevier, Loudon, Blount, Jefferson, and surrounding counties. Title Group of Tennessee is ALTA Best Practices Certified since September 30, 2015.