When you're selling your home, our closing agents want to make certain the entire process goes smoothly for you as we know it is stressful enough for sellers in the entire moving process. We reach out to the sellers as soon as the result of title examination is in the property to go over the things with you that we are looking for to assist us in the closing process.
Mortgages on the Property:
We will ask you for the information, including loan number and payment address, for all mortgages on the property, and typically you have to reach out to your mortgage company to obtain that data for us in writing due to the Privacy Act.. Also, home equity lines, even if they have a zero balance, will require detailed mortgage information to satisfy any recorded debts found in title examination of the property being sold.
Buyer Protection Plan:
If the home warranty product is being provided and shown on the contract, your realtor will help coordinate obtaining that warranty that will be collected from you at the time of closing.
Maintenance Contracts:
If the purchaser wants to take over a service contract for equipment or appliances, provide the closing agent with a copy of the service contract.
Judgment Search:
If you have any judgments, tax liens, or any other legal claims filed against you that are related to the property, you will need to pay them at closing and we will work with you regarding this process.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
If you are selling investment property, the closing agent is required by law to report the sale of the property to the IRS. Please provide your social security number(s) and forwarding address at closing.
Foreign Investment in Real Estate Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA):
If you are not a United States citizen, the closing agent may be required to withhold a tax of 15% of the amount realized when you sell the property. You should review the FIRPTA requirements before closing to make sure you understand what is required.
Power of Attorney:
If you are planning to use a Power of Attorney, please let the closing agent know as soon as possible so that the document can be reviewed and approved in advance of settlement by our title insurance underwriting attorney.
Martial Status:
Even if their name does not appear on the deed, a spouse may be required to sign closing documents. This is because they are required to sign the deed when homestead property is being conveyed.
Mail-Away:
If you are not able to attend the closing, provide the address where the closing documents should be sent and a phone number. Your signature on certain affidavits, real estate deeds, and other documents may require the services of a notary.
Following these tips & insights will help you have a successful closing in your real estate transaction! If you have any questions, be sure to ask one of our Skyway Title experts. They will be able to help you through the process and make sure that everything goes smoothly. Thanks for reading!
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