Main Office Commercial
Macon Residential Sales
Warner Robins Residential
  • 151 S Houston Lake Rd.
    Warner Robins, GA 31088
  • 478-953-2244
Warner Robins Commercial
  • 151 S Houston Lake Rd.
    Warner Robins, GA 31088
  • 478-971-8000
Milledgeville/Lake Sinclair

Contract to Closing - 10 Steps of the Home Buying Process.

The steps below are typical of those you'll follow from your initial contract to your closing:

1. LOAN APPLICATION: Immediately after they negotiate the contract, buyers should apply for any financing necessary to complete the purchase. The agent's advice can help them select a reputable lender whose products and service best meet their needs.
Notification of loan application is passed to the listing agent, who keeps the seller informed as the process progresses. During this process, buyers must furnish the lender pertinent information regarding their assets, income, debts and credit history.

2. HOME INSPECTION AND REPAIR RESOLUTION: The rise in the importance placed on home inspections is probably the most significant change that has occurred in the home selling process in recent years. Typically, the process involves a top-to-bottom inspection of the property, performed by an inspector who is chosen and paid by the buyers. After the buyers review the report, they have the right to ask the sellers to address any concerns they have about the property. This is done during the Due Diligence Period which is part of the Purchase & Sale Agreement.

3. DUE DILIGENCE: During this period,seller grants the buyer the option of terminating the agreement for any reason. Buyer may arrange financing, conduct evaluations, inspection, appraisals, examinations,surveys & testing. During this period the buyer may also inspect for active termite infestation.

*This process can easily amount to a complete renegotiation of the contract. The role of the listing and selling sales people is critically important to successfully negotiating this often difficult process.

4. APPRAISAL: As a part of the loan approval process, the lender will require that the property be appraised to ensure that the value of the property is adequate to justify the loan. Although the buyer and seller have already agreed on a price, the appraiser's evaluation must support that price.

5. LOAN APPROVAL: When the appraisal has been satisfactorily completed and the lender has verified the buyer's income, credit, etc., the lender can then make a decision on loan approval. Both listing and selling agents will work to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to reach this point.

6. CLOSING ATTORNEY: When the loan is approved, an attorney specializing in real estate must be selected to prepare for and conduct the closing. The closing attorney is selected according to the contract and the lender's requirements. Among other items, the attorney will check the title to the property, prepare necessary paperwork, and handle the receipt and distribution of all monies in the transaction.

7. TERMITE INSPECTION: Most contracts require the sellers to furnish a termite clearance letter to the buyers. A licensed pest control operator must certify that the property is free from infestation by termites or other wood destroying organisms. If infestation is discovered, treatment and repair may be required.  The cost of this inspection and any repairs is determined by the terms of the contract. The cost of the termite clearance letter is usually the responsibility of the buyer.

8. HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE: If the home will be subject to a mortgage, the buyers must arrange for a homeowner's insurance policy covering the property. The selling agent will help the buyer make sure that the coverage is adequate to satisfy the requirements of the lender. These arrangements must be made prior to closing and the policy must be present at the closing.

9. RE-INSPECTION OF REPAIRS: In the event the seller is required to make repairs, sellers should be careful to hire reputable repairmen and keep good records of completion and payments involved. Buyers will normally have the property re-inspected to ensure satisfactory completion.

10. UTILITIES TRANSFER: Prior to closing, both buyers and sellers should arrange to have the utilities transferred from one to the other. To accomplish this task, a date (usually the possession date) will be agreed upon for the transfer. The sellers notify the utility companies to cancel their services on that day. The buyers make applications with the various utilities and ask that their services be established on that same day.

Careful planning and coordination are essential to ensure a smooth, successful closing process. During this critical period, your sales associate will prove to be very valuable.


Estimated Time Line

The following timetable presents an idea of the timing of the different events in the home buying or home loan process.

First Week

Deposit earnest money check and make loan application
Pay for appraisal and credit report
Arrange for property inspections
Arrange for exterminator inspection

Second Week

Make property inspections
Make exterminator inspections
Make repair request to seller
Make sure all information that the mortgage company requested has been submitted
Arrange for movers

Third Week

Re-inspect to assure that repairs have been completed
Call to find out if mortgage company needs any additional information Fourth Week
Arrange for cashiers check for closing
Arrange for settlement, signing of papers
Arrange for transfer of utilities
Arrange for exchange of keys and personal items

Fourth Week

Arrange for cashiers check for closing
Arrange for settlement, signing of papers
Arrange for transfer of utilities
Arrange for exchange of keys and personal items

This time line is just an estimate of deadlines based on a 30-day closing. Times may vary for longer closings and some items may be completed earlier or later than shown. This is an example only and not intended to be a representation or guarantee of time of completion for any specific transaction.  See Also: The Purchase Process


Follow through to closing.

Proper follow-up is critical to a sucessful outcome!

See Also:  THE PURCHASE PROCESS


Selling a home can be complex. Fickling & Company uses market analysis, MLS listing services, an extensive advertising campaign, and the expertise of our professional real estate agents to help you with selling your home in the Middle Georgia area.

working with a realtor

Contact Us

Macon Office
2960 Riverside Drive,
Suite 200 Macon, GA 31204
478-757-9600
478-757-6988 - Fax
Map Location

Warner Robins Office
151 S. Houston Lake Boulevard, Suite 140
Warner Robins, GA 31088
478-953-2244
478-953-3913 - Fax
Map Location

Milledgeville Office
133 East Hancock Street
Milledgeville, GA 31061
478-997-6400
478-997-6400 - Fax
Map Location

 

Do you have questions? Contact us »