Close
The Finish Line Should Feel Calm, Not Confusing
When you are prepared for closing day, it becomes a celebration instead of a scramble.
You have made it through the search, the offer, the inspections, and the underwriting. Now it is time to cross the finish line. This module covers everything from closing week preparation to what happens after you get the keys, including critical security information about wire fraud that every buyer needs to know.
Closing Week Preparation
The week before closing is about confirming details and reviewing documents. You will receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. This document shows your final loan terms, monthly payment, closing costs, and the exact amount you need to bring to the table. Compare the Closing Disclosure to your original Loan Estimate line by line. I will review it with you and flag anything that looks different from what we expected. If there are discrepancies, we address them before closing day so there are no surprises at the table.
Wire Safety Warning
Wire Safety Warning
Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in real estate. Criminals hack email accounts and send fake wiring instructions that look identical to legitimate ones. A single misdirected wire can mean losing your entire down payment and closing funds with almost no chance of recovery. Never wire money based on emailed instructions alone. Always verify wiring instructions by calling the title company directly using a phone number you obtained independently, not from the email. I will remind you of this at every relevant step in the process.
Verify by Phone
Always call the title company to confirm wiring instructions. Use a number you found independently, not one from an email. Call the same person you have been working with and verify every digit.
Never Trust Email Alone
Hackers send convincing fake emails with altered account numbers. Even if the email looks legitimate, even if it appears to come from your title company or lender, verify by phone before sending any money.
Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through typically happens 24 to 48 hours before closing. This is not another inspection. It is a confirmation that the home is in the agreed-upon condition, any negotiated repairs have been completed, and the seller has not damaged the property during move-out. Check that all agreed-upon inclusions are present, appliances are working, and the home has been left in broom-clean condition. If issues are found during the walk-through, we address them before closing, either through a repair escrow, a credit, or a delayed closing if necessary.
Closing Day
Closing day is when ownership officially transfers to you. Closings typically take about an hour and take place at the title company office. You will sign a stack of documents including the mortgage note, the deed of trust, and the settlement statement. I will be there to walk you through every page and make sure everything matches what we agreed to. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of homeowner's insurance, and your closing funds as directed by the title company. Once everything is signed and the lender funds the loan, you receive your keys and the home is officially yours.
After Closing
The first few weeks of homeownership come with a checklist of their own. Transfer utilities into your name before closing day so there is no gap in service. File your homestead exemption with your county assessor to receive your property tax deduction. Change your address with the postal service, your bank, your employer, and your insurance providers. Set up a home maintenance calendar for seasonal tasks like HVAC filter changes, gutter cleaning, and water heater flushes. I provide a list of trusted local vendors for everything from plumbing to landscaping so you have reliable contacts when you need them.
Celebration and Referral
Congratulations, you are a homeowner. But our relationship does not end at the closing table. I am available for questions about your new home, referrals to contractors and service providers, and future real estate needs. If you had a positive experience, a review or referral is the highest compliment I can receive and the primary way I grow my business. Many of my clients come back for their next move or refer friends and family, and that is the foundation of how I work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your closing funds as directed by the title company (wired in advance or via cashier's check), and proof of homeowner's insurance. I will send you a complete closing checklist a few days before your closing date so nothing is left to chance.
Never send a wire based solely on email instructions. Always call the title company using a phone number you obtained independently to verify the account number, routing number, and amount before sending any funds. If you receive last-minute changes to wiring instructions, treat them as suspicious until verified by phone.
In most transactions, you receive the keys at the closing table once all documents are signed and the lender funds the loan. If the seller negotiated a rent-back period, you receive the keys at the end of that period. I confirm the possession timeline before closing so you know exactly when to plan your move.
The homestead exemption is a property tax deduction available to homeowners who use the property as their primary residence. In Indiana, it can significantly reduce your property tax bill. You file with your county assessor, and I provide instructions and deadlines so you do not miss the filing window.
Questions? (317) 660-5745 or sheldon@mycarmelrealty.com
Questions? (317) 660-5745 or sheldon@mycarmelrealty.com