Jim Curry - Home Buyers Guide V2 Book

CHAPTER 15 Ready, Set, Close!

Welcome to what is essentially the fin al stage of the home-buying process — the closing process. (Of course, there is also the move itself to consider, which comes a ft er the deal is done, but we’ll discuss this more in Chapter 15.) Th is chapter will o ff er a guide to the closing process as well as tips to protect yourself against a bad deal. Maybe the idea of going through all the steps of the closing process doesn’t excite you, but keep in mind that you are getting that much closer to owning your new home — your happy ending! Remember, your real estate agent has already helped you prepare the best o ff er, which contains your list of contingencies (e.g., actions to be taken, depending on the results of the inspections), and it’s been accepted. It’s time to start getting excited (if you haven’t already!), but don’t get too excited to the point where you start packing your boxes and calling the movers. One more major component still lies ahead of you — the closing process — and following the 10 steps below will help you ensure all your bases are covered and you’re ready to call the home yours. Now, let’s get ready, set, and close! 10 STEPS FOR CLOSING A HOME SALE

• Open an escrow. • Lock in the interest rate. • Protect yourself with home insurance. 158

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