After months of searching for the perfect home, you have finally found it. You have made your offer, it was accepted, and now you are ready to move forward and complete the purchase. But before you can officially call a house your own, there is one final step in the process: closing. If you are a first-time homebuyer, the closing process can be intimidating. Fortunately, with a little knowledge and some preparation, it does not have to be so scary. Today, we will take a look at what happens during a typical home closing—and what role an attorney plays in it all.
What Happens During Closing?
Closing is the final step in purchasing a home. It involves signing all of the necessary paperwork to make the sale official and transferring funds from buyer to seller. At closing, both parties sign all relevant documents, such as loan agreements and deed transfers. The buyer pays any remaining balance due on their mortgage loan (if applicable), plus any other fees or taxes associated with the transaction. Once all documents are signed, the title is transferred to the new owner, and keys are handed over.
Who Is Present at Closing?
The individuals who attend closing vary depending on local regulations and practices—but generally speaking, buyers and sellers will both be present along with representatives from their respective lending institutions (if applicable) and the title company. Attorneys for both the buyer and seller may also be present. Additionally, anyone else who has played a role in helping you purchase your new home, such as real estate brokers, may also be invited or allowed to attend or observe the proceedings if they wish.
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