Closing and Escrow Services

The following items will be needed prior to or at closing. Please confirm with your escrow officer, as practices vary by state.

Buyer:

• Buyer’s copy of purchase agreement
• Proof of purchase of insurance for fire, casualty, etc.
• Invoices for any unpaid taxes, utilities or assessments
• Cashier’s check(s) to make all payments – required at closing
• Photo identification (passport, driver’s license, or state-issued identification card) – required at closing

Seller:

• Seller’s copy of purchase agreement
• Invoices for any unpaid taxes, utilities, assessments, and latest utilities meter readings
• Receipts for last payment of interest on mortgages
• Bill of Sale of personal property covered by the purchase agreement
• Any unrecorded instruments that affect the title
• Proof of satisfaction of any mechanics’ liens, chattel mortgages, judgments, or mortgages that were paid prior to the closing
• Photo identification (passport, driver’s license, or state-issued identification card) – required at closing

When you buy a house, the burden to provide clear title is usually the responsibility of the Seller. The lender will not give you a mortgage until you can prove that the present owner of the house legally owns it or has title to it.

Learn more about the process to close on a home at http://www.homeclosing101.org/.