• Make sure you keep in constant touch, as I will also, with your loan officer to update you on your application status.
• I will order your home inspection.  I will provide you with various options but the decision is ultimately yours to make.  Prices vary according to square footage of the house and other services required (i.e., radon).  I must be available, so check with me on times and days.
• Order your Hazard Insurance.  Check out various agencies and compare rates.  I can provide you with several.
• Plan on being at the home inspection.  It is imperative that all parties in the transaction are present with me.  The inspection will take about 2 hours and the inspector will give you a detailed list of his findings that you may keep.  I will need copies to provide the Listing Agent as well as signatures of all buyers in the transaction to send to the seller if there are repairs to be made.  As with everything in Real Estate, Time is of the Essence.
• Call the utilities companies to transfer your account effective the date of settlement, or in the case of a rent-back, from the day you actually move in. *This date may change, so keep the phone numbers handy.  This includes electric, water, gas, oil, cable, phone, etc.
• Arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address effective the date of settlement.  Do this as close to settlement as possible.  The date may change.
• Shop around for the best moving company/moving truck but reserve them well in advance.  Most transactions in real estate occur towards the end of the month and supply will be limited. 
• Keep me abreast of any significant changes that may affect your loan approval.  Remember to forego any large purchases until after settlement.
• Walk-through will need to be scheduled no more than 48 hours prior to settlement.  It is customary to do the final walk-through to look for any defects the morning of settlement.  Plan on taking the day off!
• You will need your license for identification, a certified check (with the amount given to you by your loan officer), and a personal check (just in case!).  If you do not hear from the loan officer with a final figure, contact him within 24 hours of settlement.  Even if there are last minute changes, he/she can give you a pretty accurate amount.  These are almost never exact so plan on being slightly off (either plus or minus).
• You will get the keys to the home at settlement after all of the forms have been signed.  Settlements can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
• Bring a checking deposit slip if you are expecting a refund of any portion of your escrow deposit.  This will ensure you get your money the fastest way possible.

 Irene Morales Ward, Realtor®

Honesty, Integrity and Unsurpassed Customer Service