Closing the Sale
A Complex Process, Made Easy By HomeLife
Closing the sale of your home can be a long and intricate process. Closing involves a complex series of procedures and information exchange that only a trained professional can handle. The Higher Standards customer service provided by HomeLife Sales Representatives means that you will have a well-informed contact throughout the closing, there to guide you through the process to make closing a positive experience, not a trial to be endured.
The complexities of buying a home and closing the deal are many. Up to twenty-four steps may be involved in a process which will include yourself, your HomeLife Sales Representative, your mortgage banker, your title agent, your attorney and your home's buyer. A successfully executed closing demands that information is properly shared among these parties in a timely and professional manner.
However, with the knowledge and experience of a HomeLife Sales Representative on your side, the challenges of title transfers, home inspections and paperwork will start to feel like smooth sailing.
Buyer's Final Inspection
The purpose of the walk-through inspection prior to the closing date is to determine if conditions in the contract are satisfied. The time for the buyer to inspect and note defects for correction by the seller is during the contract negotiation and prior to signing the sales agreement. Repair or replacement items should be noted in the contract. Most resale homes are sold in "as is" condition, however, mechanical, electrical and plumbing items should be in working condition.
It is up to the buyer to perform the inspection, not the seller who may or may not be present. The buyer should be accompanied by the selling Sales Representative and/or the listing Sales Representative. The home seller should be sure utilities are on so that equipment can be operated.
Room by Room
Expect the buyer to try all lights and switches; turn all faucets on and off, run shower, flush toilets; turn on furnace and CAC (in off-season buyer may hire professional to certify proper function); test all stove burners, oven at bake and broil; run some ice cubes through disposal to test blades; run dishwasher, washer, and dryer through complete cycle; and open and close all windows and doors. In short, to try everything, even keys and fireplace flue.
All deficiencies should be noted. If seller does not correct problems prior to the closing date, funds may be withheld for repairs.
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