Bale Real Estate Group · Buyer Resources
Your Buyer Closing Checklist:
From Contract to Move-In
Buying a home comes with plenty of moving parts.
Gary, Linda and our support team help coordinate deadlines,
communications and moving details so you feel informed and supported.
From connecting you with service providers to helping you prepare
for possession, our goal is to reduce stress and make your
transition easier.
Download a printable copy to keep your closing and move-in
details organized.
Before Closing
☐ Protect Your Financing
Before opening or closing credit accounts, making large
purchases, moving substantial funds or changing employment,
speak with your lender. Keep requested income and asset
documents current and respond promptly to underwriting requests.
☐ Track Contract Deadlines
Linda and our support team help coordinate important dates,
communications and next steps. Raise inspection, financing,
appraisal, repair, title, survey or HOA questions early so
they can be addressed within the applicable contract deadlines.
☐ Arrange Homeowners Insurance
Our support team can help connect you with insurance
professionals and coordinate timing with your lender and
title company. Your insurance agent will help you select
coverage and confirm when it should begin. Cash buyers should
also arrange coverage before taking on ownership risk.
☐ Plan Utilities and Movers
You do not have to organize every moving detail alone.
Our support team can help with utility setup guidance and
introductions to movers, packing services and other trusted
providers. We help coordinate timing around your confirmed
possession date to reduce last-minute stress. Keep bookings
flexible until closing, funding and access are confirmed.
Prepare for Closing
☐ Review Your Final Figures
For most home-purchase mortgages, your lender must provide
the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before
closing. Compare loan terms, payment, cash to close, taxes,
insurance and fees with your earlier estimates. Ask about
anything you do not understand.
☐ Verify Funds Safely
Confirm the amount, payment method and deadline directly
with the title company. Independently verify wire instructions
by calling a trusted, previously verified number before sending
money. Treat unexpected changes as a warning sign. Do not rely
on an email, text or its phone number alone.
☐ Confirm Identification and Signing
Ask the title company which current identification and
documents each signer needs. Confirm your appointment,
signing location and any remote-signing arrangements in advance.
Our team can help coordinate these details.
☐ Complete the Final Walkthrough
Coordinate timing with Linda close to closing. Check the
property’s condition, agreed repairs and items that should
remain. Report concerns before signing so the team can
discuss next steps.
Possession and Move-In
☐ Confirm When Access Begins
Signing does not automatically mean you can move in.
Confirm closing, funding and the possession terms in your
contract, including any seller leaseback, before scheduling
delivery or entering the home.
☐ Collect Keys and Access Details
Arrange delivery of keys, garage remotes, gate devices,
mailbox information and available manuals. Confirm HOA
access procedures and transfer any eligible warranties.
Our team can help coordinate the handoff.
☐ Secure Your New Home
For your safety and peace of mind, once you have possession,
we recommend changing garage door and entry keypad codes
and having a professional locksmith rekey the exterior door
locks throughout the home and provide new keys. Reset alarm
codes and transfer or reset smart-home devices and cameras.
Our support team can help connect you with a trusted locksmith.
☐ Check Essential Safety Features
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Locate water shutoff
valves, the electrical panel and other essential controls.
Ask a qualified professional for help with any safety or
maintenance concerns.
After Closing
☐ Save Your Records
Keep your signed closing documents, insurance policy,
repair records and warranty information somewhere secure
and accessible.
☐ Update Your Address and Payments
Update USPS, banks, employers and service providers.
Verify your first mortgage payment date and payee using
your closing documents and your lender’s trusted
contact information.
☐ Review Homestead Eligibility
If this is your principal residence, review Texas residence
homestead exemption eligibility and application requirements
with your county appraisal district. Do not assume the
seller’s exemptions transfer to you.
☐ Set Up Ongoing Care
Confirm HOA contacts, trash and recycling schedules,
seasonal maintenance and any service agreements.
Linda and our support team can help connect you with
trusted providers as needs arise.
Support Beyond the Closing Table
Your move involves more than signing paperwork. Gary, Linda and our support team help bring the details together, answer questions and connect you with practical resources. Our goal is to make the process easier and help you settle into your new home with confidence.
This checklist is a planning guide. Your contract, lender,
title company and insurance provider determine the requirements
and timing for your transaction.
Helpful references:
CFPB: Reviewing Closing Documents
·
Texas Comptroller: Property Tax Exemptions
