Homebuyers often joke that they feel like they are signing their lives away when going through the stacks of paperwork at closing. Knowing ahead of time what to expect can take some of the confusion out of the process. Here is a list of the paperwork you will encounter at closing:

#1) The Deed is a document that signifies ownership of the property. The deed is prepared by a lawyer.

#2) Also related to ownership, the title company performs a title search, to look for judgments, liens or attachments to the home title. The title company provides a title insurance policy and certificate of title.

#3) The property tax bill is usually provided to the homebuyer by the home seller. But, if not, the homebuyer can gather this document from the assessor’s office at the city building.

#4) Unpaid water and sewer bills can sometimes be left to a home buyer in the transition of the sale, so it is customary for the home seller to provide proof of payment on these bills.

#5) It is important that you look at the utilities records, provided by the home seller, and contact the utility companies to ensure that the utilities change into your name the day of or after closing.

#6) For the closing, a current survey of the property lot is required. This can be obtained inexpensively from the city building.

#7) A new homeowner’s insurance policy is required from the homebuyer, while the home seller must keep the property insured until closing.

#8) If the home seller has offered a home warranty, these documents need to be presented at closing. Also, service records are appreciated, when provided to buyers, so they can know what recent work has been done on the home.

#9) Finally, the mortgage contract is the largest and most comprehensive of the documents. It contains the agreement between the lending institution and the homebuyer. This contract must be read and signed at closing.

When preparing to move, it helps to have a timeline to stay on track and prevent forgetting important details. An organized move is a lot less stressful than an unplanned move. This timeline can be adapted to your own needs, but most of it is applicable to all moves.

Two Months Before the Move
1) Start using up items you can’t or do not want to move, like freezer items, extra cleaners, and canned goods.
2) Start a move file to keep track of expenses and receipts, if you do deductions.
3) Start looking for a doctor and dentist in your new area, so if someone has medical needs around move time, you know where to go.
4) Weed out! Get rid of everything you do not use, need, or want anymore. The less stuff you have, the easier your move.
5) Start a list of businesses, banks, etc. that will need to be notified of your move.
6) Start collecting boxes, packing tape, and make sure you have a couple sharpies to identify what you’ve packed.
7) If you have any memberships, like a gym membership, find out about how to terminate or transfer your membership for a move.

Two Weeks Before the Move
1) Perhaps the most important thing for this part of the timeline is to setup the transfer of all your utilities: gas, electricity, cable, internet, phone, and water/sewer/trash.
2) If you haven’t already, start packing! Pack in an organized fashion, starting with things you do not need for a while. Clearly identify what is in each box and what room it needs to go to, in the new house.
3) File a change of address with the USPS.
4) It’s time to cancel or transfer your magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
5) Get rid of flammable and toxic substances before the move.
6) Get your car tuned up. You don’t want a breakdown on moving day.
7) Finally, confirm your reservation of the moving truck and or moving team.

One Week Before the Move
1) As you continue packing, keep out items you will need for moving day, like some easy-prep food, cleaning supplies for the new house, some dishes, your laptop, etc.
2) Have you picked up your dry cleaning? Did you return your library books? Have you paid off your late fees at the movie rental store? Tie up all of these loose ends.
3) Use up those refrigerator items. The day before the move, clean it out and defrost it.
4) Make sure lawn mowers, grills, and other such equipment are emptied of fuel.
5) Empty all closets, the attic, the basement, storage rooms, drawers, and cupboards.

The Day of the Move
1) If you hired a mover, make sure you inventory your furniture and go over the condition of items with the mover.
2) You will need the moving truck driver’s name and cell number and he will need yours.
3) If you are renting your own moving truck, make sure you park it safely, for loading.
4) Make sure that the items you need kept out have been put somewhere like the car, where they won’t accidentally be grabbed and put with everything else.
5) Keep track of your keys and cell phone!
6) Call your bank or go online to change your address.
7) After it is all moved out, shut off the lights and thermostat, and double check that all the rooms are empty and that all the windows and doors are locked.
Good luck with your move!

Shopping for a new home is an exciting time. Emotions like anxiety, anticipation, pleasure, and frustration all seem to work together to create a jumble of feelings surrounding home buying. A lot has to do with expectations of home buying based on prior home-buying experiences, or the lack thereof. Having a list of important things to look for when home shopping can help reduce some of the anxiety and prevent some of the frustration that can occur when looking for a new home.

#1) Detail Awareness: While house hunting, emotions can cloud a person’s judgment and memory. Spending the walkthrough just imagining living in a new place can prevent an individual from paying attention to important details.  Write down all the details you think may be important for decision-making like parking, the condition of neighboring homes, the quality of the home’s finishes, road noise, special features of the home, and quality and proximity to the schools.

#2) Location, location, location: The three rules of real estate should never be overlooked. Is this the right location for you? Is the commute reasonable? Is it too close to the neighbors? Is it a location that will be easy to resell later on? Asking oneself these questions can prevent a lot of frustration down the road.

#3) Scope out the neighborhood: Before making a final decision, make several visits to the house you are considering. Drive into the neighborhood in the morning, afternoon, and evening and look at things like traffic, activity in the neighborhood, and variations in home size and quality. Make sure it is a neighborhood that is well kept and that there are many houses comparable to the one you’re considering, before you buy. If you buy one of the biggest homes in the neighborhood, it will prevent value growth in your home.

#5) Size and Floor Plan: You may really like this house, but is it the right size for your needs? Is it going to be a tight squeeze, or is it perhaps a bit too much room for you to clean, heat, light, cool, and maintain? Think about the cost of utilities, cleaning, furnishing, decorating, and maintaining the house. Is there enough storage space in the home for your family’s needs?

#6) Projects: Is this home move-in ready or, like most homes, does it have some work to be done? How extensive and expensive is that work? What condition are the windows in? How about the kitchen? A kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. Examine the kitchen’s space, function, and appeal. Finally, take a good long look outside at the exterior and landscaping. Curb appeal is important for resale. After writing down all the work you will need to put into the home, consider the costs of time and money and decide if it is worth it to you.

Finding the right home for you is a fun and exciting process, but should be done with awareness and care. This is a decision that will impact your future in a very real way. Using this list of things to look for can help you choose the right home for your needs.