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"Closing" refers to the meeting where ownership of
the property is legally transferred to the buyer. It is a formal
meeting in which most parties involved in the buying/selling process
will attend. Closing procedures are usually held at the title company's
office or lawyer's office. Your closing officer coordinates the
document signing and the collection and disbursement of funds. Your
agent will generally be present at your closing to read the documents
on your behalf, answer any questions, or help to resolve any last
minute or unexpected details that may come up.
In order for the closing to go smoothly, each party
involved should bring the necessary documentation and be prepared to
pay any related fees (closing costs). There may be more than one form
of acceptable payment for your closing costs so ask the closing officer
which form of payment will be required and to whom it should be made
out. Closing costs will generally total an amount equal to 2 to 3
percent of the total loan value not including down payment and the
buyer's escrow account.
Sellers sometimes pay for a portion or all of the
closing costs, depending on local market conditions, terms of the
purchase contract, and the seller's cash and timing considerations. Any
such concessions should be acknowledged in writing. Most lenders will
allow a credit from the seller to the buyer for the non-recurring
closing costs. However, they usually won't allow a credit that reduces
the amount of the buyer's down payment or any of the buyer's recurring
costs, such as expenses for fire insurance premiums, PMI, or property
taxes.
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