From Contract to Closing

You and the seller sign the purchase agreement. Your agent tracks every date in it: earnest money, inspection, financing and closing.

You deliver earnest money as your purchase agreement spells out. It is usually held in a trust account until closing.

Minnesota sellers give buyers property disclosures, plus a radon disclosure and the MN Department of Health radon publication. Well, septic and (for pre-1978 homes) lead-based paint disclosures apply when relevant.

Schedule inspections inside your contingency window (home, radon, well/septic, sewer scope, as needed). We help you decide what to ask for and put it in writing on time.

Finish your loan application, send your lender what they ask for quickly, and expect an appraisal. Avoid new credit or big purchases until closing.

For many townhomes and condos, the seller provides the association’s resale disclosure documents. Review dues, rules and reserves.

A title company searches the property records and issues a title commitment. Ask about an owner’s title insurance policy.

Pick a policy and send proof of coverage to your lender before closing.

Federal rules require your lender to give you the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Compare it with your Loan Estimate.

Before you send money, call the title company at a phone number you already know is real to confirm the wiring instructions. Never trust wiring instructions that arrive only by email.

Check that the home is in the agreed condition, that agreed repairs are done and that included items are still there.

Bring a photo ID, sign the loan and closing documents, and get the keys. 🎉

Set up utilities, file for homestead with your county assessor if it’s your main home, and keep your closing papers somewhere safe.

Sign the purchase agreement. Your agent tracks every deadline for both sides.

Give buyers your property disclosure statement, the radon disclosure and the MN Department of Health radon publication. Add well, septic and lead-based paint disclosures when they apply. Be complete and honest.

Make the home available for inspections. We help you respond to any repair requests within the deadlines.

If the buyer is financing, their lender will order an appraisal. Keep the home tidy and easy to get into.

Order your association’s resale disclosure documents early. They can take time.

The title company orders your mortgage payoff and checks for liens or judgments that need to be cleared.

Schedule final meter readings and stop service as of closing day. Cancel insurance only after closing.

Leave everything the purchase agreement includes (fixtures, appliances, keys, garage openers). Leave the home broom-clean for the buyer’s walk-through.

Sign the deed and closing documents. Your settlement statement shows your payoff, closing costs and net proceeds. A Certificate of Real Estate Value is filed with the county, and deed tax is paid as agreed.

Keep your settlement statement for taxes and forward your mail.