Steps to follow to make your closing go more smoothly and timely.
It can be frustrating to show up at a Real Estate Closing, only to find out at the last moment that there is some problem; especially a problem that could cause the closing to be prolonged and even possibly postponed, thereby wasting your valuable time.

The title company, the mortgage lender, and other parties involved in the transaction may need certain documents and other information from both the buyer and the seller to move the process along.

At Liberty Bell Agency, we strive to make even the toughest transactions go smooth. You can help us to make your Closing an easy and enjoyable experience by reviewing the following checklist of items needed for every residential closing.

Information and items that need to be provided to the Title Agent at the beginning of the process:

• Name, Address, Phone number, Fax number and Email address of the Seller's Real Estate Agent and Attorney
• Seller will need to provide Title Agent with a copy of the current deed to the property.
• Seller should provide Title Agent with any previous Owner's and/or Lender's Title Insurance policy
• Seller will need to provide Title Agent with Social Security Number(s) or Tax ID Number.
• Seller will need to provide written authorization for the Title Agent to obtain payoff statements from any existing lienholders, and provide the related account numbers for those liens, or Seller will need to provide the Title Agent with a current valid payoff statement for any liens shown on the title commitment, or otherwise known to the Seller.
• Seller will need to provide to the Title Agent any documentation pertaining to pending or dismissed court matters relating to the property, including divorces, judgment liens, etc.
• Seller will need to provide the current Real Estate Agreement of Sale, along with any addendums.
• Seller should provide details of the Broker Agreement commission due the Realtor.

The Real Estate Agreement of Sale (Purchase Contract) between the Seller and Buyer should contain details on the following information:

•Division of settlement charges, including insurance premiums
•Earnest money terms
•Bill of sale for any personal property
•Required property condition disclosures

Items that need to be provided just prior to closing:

• Seller will to provide Title Agent with any new survey or plan of property.
• Seller will need to provide Title Agent with any inspection reports and invoices; (Pest inspection, Sewer Inspection, etc)
• Seller will need to provide Title Agent with any Home Warranty and invoice
• Seller will need to provide Title Agent with any Attorney's fee charged and any other charges to be paid out of closing.
• Seller will need to provide Title Agent with the most current paid Real Eatate tax statement(s), or any new tax statements that are now due and owing.
• Seller will need to provide Title Agent with the most current paid public utility statements (Water, Sewer, Gas, ect.) or any new statements that are now due and owing.
• Seller should confirm that the Realtors have provided the Title Agent with a commission statement and invoice of other charges to be paid at closing at least 48 hours in advance of closing.
• Seller will need to provided Title Agent with a list of any financial adjustments for prepaid or unpaid charges such as rents received or due, utility bills, etc.
• Seller may need to provide Title Agent with the most current paid Homeowner Association or Condominium Association statement(s), or any new statements that are now due and owing.
• Seller may need to provide Title Agent with the Condominium 3407 Resale Certificate, (if applicable).
• Seller may need to provide Title Agent with the Municipal Occupancy Certification statement, or Building Code Compliance Letter, (if applicable).
• Seller or Seller's Attorney will need to arrange to review the new Deed before closing and advise Title Agent of any changes.
• Seller will need to review the preliminary Settlement Statement provided by the Title Agent one day in advance of closing, and advise the Title Agent of any changes to the amounts shown on the statement

Items that need to be brought with you to Closing:

• Seller will need to bring any funds due at closing in the form of a certified check, cashier's check, money order or wire. NO PERSONAL CHECKS can be accepted at closing!
• Seller will need to bring two forms of valid government issued Photo Identification.
• Seller should bring the utility meter readings from final walkthrough for any utility charges that are to be prorated (adjusted) at closing
• Seller will need to bring any other items that have been requested in the title commitment.
• Seller will need to bring keys, security system passcodes, and any other pertinent information that will give the Buyer proper possesion of the property after the Closing is completed.