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Anxious about closing? As exciting as this moment can be, it’s easy to get stressed out during the process.
You may be wondering:
- What is needed from me as the buyer for my new home closing?
- What to expect when closing on a new home?
- How does closing on a new build differ from a resale?
These are all great questions, and we're going to answer all of them below.
As an M/I Homes Closing Manager, I work with future new homeowners like yourself that are preparing to close on their new home. I’ve worked closely with buyers for over 22 years in all aspects of the new home purchasing process, and I’ve got some tips when it comes to being prepared for closing on a new-build home.
Here are 5 things to prepare prior to closing to help make things go as smooth as possible!
1. Complete Lender Documentation
Check with your lender in the weeks leading up to your closing month that all your documentation has been finalized. If there are any conditions to your closing on your new home or any outstanding documents that need to be submitted, you want to ensure you complete as soon as possible to not delay your closing.
Tip: Set biweekly calendar reminders to check in with your lender as your closing month approaches.
2. Take Notes at Your New Home Orientation
New Home Orientations are an opportunity to meet onsite with the Construction Superintendent that built your home and complete your final walk-through. This typically happens within a 10-14-day timeframe, prior to the closing date.
Once this date has been set, you should expect to receive a Notice of Closing Letter. This letter will include the day of your closing (times are typically confirmed closer to the date) and utility information for your community.
Tip: As you walk through your home, snag a copy of the brochure of your floorplan and make notes of any items to be addressed before closing.
3. Schedule Utilities and Movers
This one seems like a no-brainer, but timing is critical.
Be sure to set up utilities for your new home to start on your closing date, as M/I Homes will typically schedule the disconnection within a 48-hour window after closing.
As for movers, schedule your move for the following days vs. the same day of your closing. This is to catch any unforeseen delays or hiccups. Rescheduling movers can be a pain, so build yourself a cushion just in case you need it.
Tip: Some counties require a deed in order to turn on utility service, and you won’t receive your closing deed until closing day. You can still schedule/setup service and forward the deed once received so as not to delay service connection.
BONUS: Check out this handy moving checklist!
4. Create a Closing Day Packet
It’s Closing Day! It’s a great idea to prepare a closing day packet that includes all the documentation you’ll need for closing day.
You are required to have a valid photo ID for all parties that are closing. You’ll also want to have your closing dollar amount notated of how much is required of you to bring to closing. This info is provided from your Title company, and funds are accepted in the form of a Cashier’s check or wire transfer.
Closing dollars are any unpaid associated closing costs, prepaid fees for HOA, or CDDs and any other outstanding funds.
Tip: It’s a good idea to have copies of all of your paperwork and requested documentation in your packet. You can find out your closing dollar amount in advance and have that ready to go as well. If wiring funds, be sure to collect the correct routing information beforehand.
5. Be Willing to Be Flexible With Your New Home’s Timeframe
The most important tip to keep in mind is to remain flexible. When closing on a new build home, there can be delays due to material shortages, weather, or other conditions beyond our control that can cause last minute delays.
If your closing day is moved, you’ll receive as much notice as possible.
Tip: It’s safe to say that it’s both your and M/I Homes’ ultimate goal to get you into your new home as soon as possible so that you can start creating memories. We’ll communicate as much as possible as things change, but remaining flexible is key to keeping stress low.
After all is said and done, Closing Day is one of the most exciting moments! These tips are sure to make things as smooth as possible. Which of these have you already implemented? Are there any that surprised you the most?
Share this article with your friends or future neighbors as you all prepare to close on your new home.
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