Under Contract! Congratulations!
A whole new process now begins as we are officially under contract! Although we have this guide as a snapshot of a typical real estate transaction, of course EVERY transaction is different, and every Buyer & Seller have multiple variations of relocation, lending requirements, etc...but one thing that is the same is that a real estate transaction can sometimes get emotional & complicated. So please, at any time you have a question or just want some reassurance of where your transaction is at, ALWAYS feel welcome to contact your K E N A R R I real estate division agent even if you literally just got off the phone with them. We're here to help guide you through the process and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible along the way.
Pick Your Attorney or Closing Agent
You will need to hire an attorney or closing agent to finalize the transfer of your property. If you don't have anyone in mind, that's ok! We can give you suggestions based on your transaction, budget and location. But don't worry. You literally just have to give us their name, and we will contact them for you, give them a copy of your contract and keep them posted on the status of your transaction. Don't be alarmed if you don't hear from them until closer to the end of the transaction as your buyer has a lot to do before your attorney really need to step in.
NY Transactions: You should hear from your attorney during the attorney review period. You will also need to provide your abstract and most current survey ASAP.
Movers & Storage
Start looking for movers and storage options right away. Many companies require you to book in advance. Please keep in mind, the transaction does still have many steps to cross. Dates may change, and yes sometimes transactions fall through so use your discretion when it comes time to put down any deposits.
Inspections
If your buyer has elected inspections, they will need to complete them during the time period stated on your agreement. Inspectors and/or contractors will be scheduled and the buyer may attend. During that time period, the buyer my find items that they are not satisfied with and may ask for a repair, compensation, a credit or even a termination. This is a negotiation period to come into an agreement to keep the transaction together.
Appraisal
Normally the appraisal isn't ordered until the buyer has provided the major documents requested by the lender. So it's usually a good sign that we are moving forward and the buyer is still financially qualified as stated in their pre-approval. HOWEVER some lenders order the appraisal immediately regardless of the stage of the buyers documentation. Depending on the loan type, depends on what the appraiser may need to include in their report. FHA/USDA/VA loans the appraiser is looking for safety hazards such as peeling paint, handrails on steps, GFCI Outlets etc. All loan types they are also looking for the value stated in your agreement. If for some reason you do not appraise or if other repairs are required this may be another negotiation period. If an appraisal does require a repair, the appraiser must return to verify the repair has been completed.
Mortgage Commitment
BOOM! Buyer is officially qualified to purchase your property! Although we have mortgage commitment there still may be contingency's and those should be listed on the mortgage commitment. If everything else above has been done...then this is the time to get pretty serious about moving your personal items if you haven't already done so.
Clear to Close
Clear to close means the lender has everything they need to close the transaction on their end! Sometimes the attorney has some finalizations but most of the time they work together quite simultaneously. This is when the official closing date, time & location is scheduled. Closing could be scheduled as soon as 3 days after receiving the clear to close!
Call Utility Companies
Contact any utility companies, lawn or other service companies and make them aware that you are selling your property and the closing date. Be prepared that sometimes the buyer needs phone numbers or account numbers to contact them to take over service. ALL UTULITIES MUST REMAIN ON FOR THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH.
Cleaning & Keys
The buyer is expecting that the property will be free of all debris, paint cans, and all personal items. The property should be broom swept and clean. Remember to leave any extra keys, garage door openers, smart home codes and any instruction manuals.
Final Walkthrough
ALL UTULITIES MUST REMAIN ON FOR THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH. This is an opportunity for a buyer to make their final inspection of the property. The buyer is looking for 2 things. Any new damages that occurred during the transaction they were not aware of and that everything is still present that was suppose to stay in your agreement (lighting, appliances, pellet stoves etc.) Depending on the buyers schedule, this can be done a day or two in advance down to the last hour before closing.
Closing Day!!!
Hip Hip Hooray! It's Closing Day and you made it! Traditional closings with the buyer & seller at the closing table are not as common as they use to be. Your attorney/closing agent may have asked you to sign your closing documents in advance in order to get them to the buyers side for closing day. This is the day that you officially close and the buyer takes possession of the property. If you are not present for closing, your attorney/closing agent or your real estate agent will let you know that your transaction is officially closed and when/where to receive any proceeds.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for trusting K E N A R R I real estate division to help guide you through your real estate transaction!
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