Closing on your first home

Have an appointment with a title company to close on the purchase of your home? Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you on that big day:

Money: At closing, you’ll be paying for your share of the closing costs and any down payment. Since cash and a personal check won’t do, you’ll need to bring a certified check or cashier’s check. You’ll get the amount you need to bring with you a few days before closing.

A pen: You’ll be doing a lot of signing and initialing. None of the numbers you should see at closing should be a surprise. Shortly before closing, your loan officer should provide you with documentation of what your final numbers should be. These documents spell out all the financial details of your home purchase, including your closing costs and who – the buyer, seller and lender – pays what.

Your ID: You will be required to show proof of identification, such as your driver license or passport.

Proof of insurance: You’ll need documentation proving you have obtained homeowner’s insurance, and perhaps flood insurance, if it’s required as a condition of your loan.

Once you’ve completed the process of closing, your home purchase will be recorded with the county or other government entity. Then, you get the keys and you’re officially ready to move in!