Home Closing Checklist

how to ensure a clean, calm, surprise-free closing

it's one of life's most exciting, important, and stressful events. a home closing is fraught with arcane rituals, hidden traps and pitfalls, and confusing legal mumbo jumbo--not to mention the enormous amount of money that changes hands! The Home Closing Checklist leads you step by step through every stage of your closing, from making an offer of purchase to slipping a new set of keys onto your key ring.

modeled after robert irwin's classic Home Buyer's Checklist, this think-of-everything guide is packed with all of the practical information and know-how you need close the deal without losing your sense of humor, your sanity, or your shirt. It's loaded with checklists, pointers, tactical advice, and tips on how to ask the right questions and find the answers you need. You'll find out how to:

• Present a written offer and have the seller accept and sign it
• Open escrow, secure financing, and negotiate lender costs
• Read and approve seller's disclosures
• Obtain a title search and property inspection
• Avoid "garbage" closing costs
• Conduct the final walk-through
• And much more

Robert Irwin is a leading national expert in all areas of real estate and the author of 50 books, including those in McGraw-Hill's bestselling Tips and Traps series.