Buying Steps 33-34: Preparing for the Big Move
Step 33
After we get through the inspection negotiation and appraisal it’s safe to hire movers and start packing! Call now to get moving estimates and secure a mover as they often get booked up weeks in advance. Also, if you’re moving into a condo building check with the Property Management Company to see if you need to pay any move-in fees.
Remember that you can’t move into your new place until the day of closing at 9 PM unless special arrangements have already been made regarding the possession date.
Typically, hire movers for the day after closing.
It is important to verify they are licensed (check with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission) and properly insured.
Recommended Movers:
Ask us for an updated list of recommended movers.
Whichever mover you end up using, we highly recommend asking them to bring wardrobe boxes with them for all your hanging clothes. That way you don’t have to take everything off the hangers and pack the items up. Instead, the movers will simply grab everything in your closets that is hanging, put them on the rods in the boxes and then when you get to your new home you can just grab the hangers and hang the items back up. Saves a ton of time.
Moving Supplies
Start gathering boxes and packing supplies. Often you can find free boxes on Craigs List. Otherwise, U-Haul, Uline, and Usedcardboardboxes.com are all great places to get moving supplies.
Pets
Moving can be incredibly stressful on pets so consider having them stay with a friend or in daycare for a few days while you move and get settled into your new place.
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
Step 34
We are in the home stretch! It’s essential to schedule the closing on your calendar and arrange to take the day off from work. Here are a few things to know about your closing date:
- Some factors could cause it to be pushed back (if BOTH Buyer’s and Seller’s agree), such as a tight time frame for closing (anything 30 days or less), causing the mortgage company to need more time, etc. However, for planning purposes right now, count on your closing date being the final date.
- Find out from your Closer where you will be signing (they are listed on page 1 of the Purchase & Sales Agreement). Closing generally takes place at a Title Company downtown. Closing takes about 1 – 2 hours. For this reason, it’s recommended that you arrange to take time off from work. We can’t specify a specific time but can sometimes request either morning or afternoon. If you have a time preference, please let us know.
- The closing start time won’t be scheduled until your Mortgage Lender gives us Clear to Close (CTC), meaning you’ve been ultimately approved for the loan without any conditions. This generally occurs 2-3 days before your closing date and is when we’ll be notified of the exact location and start time.
- It’s best if you attend the closing in person; we always encourage clients to attend closing as it’s important you understand the closing documents (which will be emailed the day before your appointment typically). At closing they will explain when your first mortgage payment is due, how/when you make your first mortgage payment, etc.
- The day prior to closing, you will need to wire transfer your down payment and closing costs to the Title Company. The wire instructions for this transfer will come from the title/escrow company. Do not follow anyone else’s instructions unless it comes from the individual identified at the beginning of the transaction as the closer. There are many scams out there targeted at buyers where scammers will email you fake wire transfer instructions in an attempt to steal your money. Please view the wire fraud email we sent earlier.
- Legally, you can’t move into the house until 9 pm the day the deal closes.
- At the very end of closing, I’ll let you know what we will do to hand off your keys after 9 pm.
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
