When you’re shopping for your new home, it’s important to leave no stone unturned. You’re going to be there for a long time, and you don’t want to settle for something that doesn’t feel like home. And when it comes to closing, it pays to be just as thorough!
Preparing for closing takes time, and requires many important details to be successful. The good news is that you don’t have to go through the process alone! You probably have a lot of questions to ask at closing, and our team at First National Title Company is here to help you prepare for a smooth experience. Here are some recommendations:
Buy title insurance – Over the lifetime of a property, a lot of things can go wrong when real estate changes hands. Common title defects include fraud, misfiled paperwork, unpaid property taxes, and even unknown heirs. A small investment in title insurance may go a long way in protecting you from having to pay legal fees out of pocket in the event of a title dispute.
Have a plan for every detail – Your realtor and title company will help you with paperwork, but there are several things that you’ll have to do on your own. Be sure to have your utilities switched over before your closing date, make your moving arrangements, and fill out change of address form at the post office.
Schedule a final walkthrough – Your home inspector will give you a detailed report on the home, but you should also schedule a walkthrough the day before closing. Once you sign the paperwork and are handed your keys, any problems with the home officially become yours to solve, so be sure that you feel good about your purchase before closing.
Don’t sign any document that you don’t fully understand – By the time that you get to the closing table, there shouldn’t be any surprises. Make sure to get a detailed explanation of all the documents that you’ll be signing, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Our team at First National has decades of experience with real estate closing and title needs, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you! For more information, contact us through our online contact form, or at any of our 13 convenient Arkansas locations!