Closing on a house is so exciting. It feels like all that hard work of searching for a home is finally coming to an end (because it is!) and that is a relief. If you’re selling a home, you get the satisfaction of packing up, moving on, and hopefully walking away with some money. 

But there are still things to be aware of when closing on your home. Take a minute to read this and avoid making these mistakes when you close on a home in the future. 

Rushing through the documents.

Don’t do this! At the time of closing, both the seller and buyer are tired and ready to move on with their lives. Still, this isn’t the time to lose awareness. Pay attention to the documents you are signing to avoid issues in the future. 

Also, take the time to read everything. I know, it’s a lot of reading, but you should still be aware of everything in the documents prior to closing. The last thing you want is to miss something on a seller disclosure form and then run into an issue with the house you just bought! 

Not updating your name.

Did you recently get married? Congratulations! 

If you plan to change your name, do it now. The last thing you want is to sign closing documents and your name doesn’t match your driver’s license or other legal documents. Basically, if your name isn’t consistent, you cannot sign. 

Forgetting the cashier’s check.

A personal check will not cover the amount of money you need to put down on the house. You need to be prepared with a cashier’s check or a wire transfer. This usually isn’t a problem, but many people forget this at the time of closing, or they wait until the last minute and don’t realize it takes a few days for the bank to process these requests. 

Making other large purchases.

The last thing you want to do during the closing process is  make a large financial decision in addition to buying a home. Don’t make any purchases that will alter your credit report once it’s pre-approved. Nothing is guaranteed, and a major swing in your credit score could be a red flag to lenders and cause challenges. 

As a realtor, my number one goal is to make the process as easy as possible for you. Whether you are buying or selling a home, I’m here to answer all of your questions. Let’s talk! Call my cell at 717-253-3259 or visit www.karentavenner.com.