Closing on your Florida Home

One week prior to settlement, you should call the utility companies and begin the process of having them transfered into your name.  There are different utility companies that service the various locations depending on where your new purchase is located.  We can help provide you with the contact names and telephone numbers you will need.

We like to have an approved HUD-1 or final closing statement to review with you at least 24 hours prior to closing.  If financing is involved, your costs need to be in line with the "good faith estimate of closing costs" provided to you during the loan application process.  Florida does not permit "dry closings" so the exact amount will need to be presented at closing by way of a wire transfer or certified check.  You will also need to provide a photo ID for forms that require a notary.

We will also want to have a "final walk through" at the property just before closing.  This is to make sure everything at the home is as expected.  We will also check to insure (if appropriate) that all systems are working as expected and that items to be conveyed per the terms of the ontract are in place.  We will also want to make sure any repair work is completed.  The key is removed from the lockbox to prevent access by anyone with lockbox only access.

What we strive for is for no outstanding issues at closing.  Our belief is for closing to be a paperwork event only with the exchange of keys and money only.  If there are issues at the walk through, we will notify the listing agent and get those resolved before we close.

Attendance at Closing:

If you know being at closing is not possible, we need to let the title company know well in advance.  Many Florida closings do not have one or more of the parties “at the table.”  You will need to arrange for a notary for some of the paper work.  Usually where you bank is a good place to go to sign the papers and wire the funds out at the time time.  The title company will send or email “the package” to you and provide for overnight service back.

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