Even in this electronic/digital age, you will leave your settlement appointment with a hefty load of paperwork and documents! Much of it you will not need, but here are the key documents you want to be sure to save. Create a filing system just for home related documentation (if you haven’t already). As time goes on, you will also want to add any receipts for improvements you have made to the house. You will want this information when it’s time to sell!

SELLERS & BUYERS

Settlement Statement/Closing Disclosure

This is the most important document of the day! You will need your settlement statement to prove residency and ownership when going to the DMV, for tax reporting and for other government purposes.

BUYERS

Homeowner Insurance Policy

It’s good to keep this handy in the event there is a major problem with your new home.

Home Warranty

If you have a home warranty on the property, keep it handy to reference for more minor items that might be covered, like an appliance breaking.

Mortgage & Note

Keep your mortgage information handy for setting up your automated payments and other loan information. Keep all of the mortgage paperwork together for tax season.

Deed

This shows ownership was transferred into your name.

Survey (if one was completed)

The survey is an important document that you won’t need often, but is very helpful to have when you go to sell the home. Or if a neighbor starts encroaching on your property, you will want your survey on hand to check your boundaries.

Be sure to shred any old documentation you don’t need. You certainly don’t want to deal with any identity theft or fraud while you’re in the process of moving!

If you need more information on the settlement process, please reach out! We are here to guide you through every step of the real estate transaction.

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