What do I have to do to get ready for settlement?

Customs vary widely. Your best bet is to consult with your agent and attorney about who is expected to bring what items to settlement or closing. Most items will be sent ahead by your agent or arranged by the settlement or closing attorney or escrow agent. You may need to bring only your checkbook and house keys.

Items needed at settlement or closing:

- All the keys for the home. Don't forget garage door opener, garage and shed keys, padlock combinations and code for security systems!
- Warranties on mechanical equipment. Sometimes these are left at the home.
- Instructions and manuals on maintenance and operation of equipment.
- A copy of the sales contract.
- Proof that contingencies have been met.
- Documents to implement the transfer of title.
- Homeowner's insurance policy.
- Prorations for continuing expenses, such as utilities, taxes, insurance, interest on an assumed loan.
- Latest receipts of payments on water and utility bills, and current meter reading.
- Your lender's certification of your mortgage balance and the date to which interest is paid.