| Close the Deal |
| On closing day, the seller officially signs the
house over to you. It can take from 15 to 90 days to close on
a home, depending on the complexity of your transaction, and
the conditions attached to the purchase contract. |
| To avoid last-minute surprises: |
|
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Think about taxes.
If you buy a home toward the end of the year, ask your tax advisor
or accountant if you should push the closing (and the tax savings
involved) to January. You can find out more about taxes and
home ownership in the Tax Help for Homeowners guide. |
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Set a closing date that works
for you.
If you're renting, set a closing date near the end of your lease
to avoid paying unnecessary rent. The date of closing can also
affect your closing costs. Be sure to schedule enough time to
move in. If you plan to move on closing day, schedule the closing
in the morning. |
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Estimate your closing costs.
Lenders are required to give good-faith estimates of closing
costs within three days of a loan application. They can also
give you an itemized list of closing costs, so be sure to ask
for one. Closing costs typically range from 2 to 7 percent
of the purchase price of a home. |
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Schedule a final walk-through.
Make certain the seller has completed any repairs specified
in the purchase contract and has satisfied any other contingencies
involving the home's condition. |