Closing Checklist

Alot of my buyers were requesting a closing checklist of things they should do and have in line ready for the closing. To accomodate their request, I've compiled this general list that would apply to everyone in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area.

1. Home owners insurance: you will need to have a homeowner’s insurance policy in place before closing. Check with your car insurance company first, often times you’ll get a reduced rate if you have both your car and home insured with the same company. You can always change down the road, but you need this policy in place before closing.

2. Gas/Electric: Call we energies before closing to have the gas and electric transferred to your name on closing day. 800-242-9137

3. Water: You don’t need to do anything, the bill will be sent to the house every 3 months. The seller’s credit for their portion used for the quarter is credited at closing, and you pay the full amount on the bill when it comes.

4. Phone: Personal preference if you want a land line and with who.

5. Cable: Personal preference, again. Time Warner Cable is the local provider: 800-627-2288

6. Mail: make sure to fill out a change of address at the post office prior to closing.

7. Subscriptions: make sure to contact your magazine/newspaper subscriptions to go to your new address.

8. Amount to bring to closing: your lender will let you know the day or two before closing what the exact amount is. You’ll need to bring it in a cashier’s check or money order.

9. At closing, you’ll receive a HUD 1 statement, you’ll likely be able to use this on your 2008 tax return, so put it somewhere where you’ll find it easily.

10. Movers: if you are hiring movers, have this scheduled well beforehand. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack; you have more stuff than you think!