01
1–2 Weeks Before Closing
Call your lender to confirm your closing date, time, and exact location
Ask your lender who will be at the closing table (title agent, attorney, notary)
Review your Closing Disclosure (CD) line by line — compare every number to your original Loan Estimate
→Your CD must be delivered at least 3 business days before closing — review it the moment it arrives
Verify your name is spelled correctly on ALL documents (must match your ID exactly)
Confirm your interest rate, loan amount, and monthly payment match what you were quoted
Review the closing costs breakdown — question any charges you don't recognize
Schedule your final walkthrough for 24–48 hours before closing
02
Insurance & Utilities
Confirm your homeowner's insurance policy is active, paid, and effective on closing day
Send proof of insurance (declarations page) to your lender if you haven't already
Call each utility company to transfer service into your name starting on closing day: electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet
03
Your Closing Funds
Contact the title company to get the exact amount you need to bring to closing
Ask the title company whether to bring a cashier's check or wire the funds
Wire Fraud Alert
Never wire money based on email instructions alone. Always call your title company to confirm before sending wires.
If wiring: get instructions by PHONE and verify the account number with the title company directly
If cashier's check: get it from your bank payable to the title/escrow company for the exact CD amount
04
Repairs
Confirm all negotiated inspection repairs have been completed by the seller
Ask your agent for receipts, invoices, or photos of completed repairs
05
What to Bring to Closing
Cashier's check payable to the title/escrow company for the exact amount on your Closing Disclosure
If you wired funds: bring the wire confirmation receipt
Proof of homeowner's insurance (declarations page with effective date and coverage amounts)
A printed copy of your Closing Disclosure for reference while reviewing documents
Government-issued photo ID (must match the name on your documents exactly)
Any additional documents your lender specifically requested
Power of Attorney documents if someone is signing on your behalf (must be pre-approved by lender AND title company in advance)
06
The Final Walkthrough
Walk through the entire property with your agent and check everything below.
Bring your inspection report and compare — all negotiated repairs completed?
Look for any NEW damage that wasn't there during inspection
Verify all appliances in the contract are still in the home and working
Turn on every faucet — check for leaks under each sink
Flush every toilet, confirm they fill and stop properly
Test every light switch in every room
Test 2–3 electrical outlets per room (bring a phone charger)
Turn on every ceiling fan, confirm all speeds work
Open and close every window — check that locks engage
Open and close every door — check locks and deadbolts
Run AC AND heater for at least 5 minutes each
Run dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer if included
Test garbage disposal
Open garage door with remote and wall button
Confirm seller removed ALL personal belongings (check closets, garage, attic, shed)
All keys, remotes, mailbox keys, gate codes accounted for
Check exterior: roof, gutters, yard, driveway, fencing
Pro Tip
Take photos and video of every room during your walkthrough. If you discover any issues, document them and discuss before proceeding to the closing table.
07
At the Closing Table
Arrive on time — closing takes 1–2 hours, don't schedule anything tight after
Read every document before signing — do not rush
Verify your name is correct on every page
Verify the property address is correct on every page
Confirm loan amount, interest rate, and monthly payment match your CD
Confirm loan type (fixed vs. adjustable) is what you agreed to
Review escrow account details — monthly escrow for taxes and insurance
Check proration of property taxes
Ask questions about anything you don't understand
Sign and date where indicated
Collect keys, garage openers, mailbox keys, gate codes
Get copies of everything you signed
Confirm when the deed will be recorded with the county
08
Your First Week in the Home
Change every lock on every exterior door on Day 1
Change garage door code and reprogram all remotes
Change WiFi network name and password
Change alarm system code and update the security company
Locate and label: water main shutoff, electrical panel, gas shutoff
Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector — replace batteries
Change HVAC filter and note the size for future replacements
Take photos of every room for insurance documentation
File your homestead exemption with the county (if applicable)
→Your homestead exemption can save you hundreds on property taxes — file it as soon as you take ownership
Set up mortgage auto-pay as soon as your first payment info arrives
Save digital copies of ALL closing documents in a secure cloud folder
Update your address: USPS, employer, banks, credit cards, insurance, subscriptions, DMV
Introduce yourself to your neighbors
Pro Tip
Create a "Home Binder" with: closing documents, warranty info, HVAC filter sizes, paint colors, contractor contacts, insurance policy, and mortgage servicer info. You’ll reference this for years.
Christina Cutolo is a licensed mortgage loan officer (NMLS #180729) at CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, lending, real estate, or legal advice. Loan programs, rates, fees, and terms are subject to change and to lender and borrower qualification. Always consult a licensed professional regarding your specific situation. Equal Housing Opportunity. · christinacutolo.com