One of my recent Buffalo Grove home first time buyers had many questions after finding the perfect home. They inspired me to write this post to explain the next 8 steps of what happens from the time you sign the contract until closing!
Congratulations! The sellers accepted your contract and I am so excited you have finally found the perfect home. Is my job over? 
Just the opposite... My job as your Realtor has just begun. I will be with you each of the below 8 steps ... until you sign the papers at closing and you walk away with the keys.
Remember, we are a team and I will help you make the next few months as stress free as possible.
1. First I will make certain both your attorney and lender receive a copy of the contract. If you don't have an attorney, I have recommendations of attorneys that are both reasonably priced, responsive and ensure that a successful closing will take place. I always like to be copied on all correspondence, so I am knowledgeable of the transaction every step of the way. You can check out my website at www.buffalogroveareahomes.com for suggestions of the best real estate attorneys.
2. I will advise you to schedule a home inspection next - and of course I have recommendations for a reliable inspector who will inform you of the current condition of the home.. Again you can check out my website at www.buffalogroveareahomes.com for a recommendation of a thorough inspector. The home inspection needs to take place within 5 business days from the date the contract is signed. Most of the time, I recommend a radon inspection at the same time. Depending on the size of the home you purchased, the inspection can take 2 to 4 hours.
After the inspection is completed, the inspector will provide you with a report which he or I will forward a copy to your attorney. Your attorney will review the report with you and will make recommendations as to what repairs should be requested from the seller as well as what is required under the contract. I will also discuss this with you and make my recommendations.
3. The attorney review period is typically the same 5 business days from the date the contract is signed. Your attorney will review the contract with you during this time frame and may make suggestions to modify the contract to better protect your interests.
4. You should contact an insurance company as soon as possible to arrange for your purchase of homeowner's insurance. You have ten days under the contract to make sure you can obtain insurance at a reasonable cost. If you need flood insurance you must verify this now. Your lender will require you to pay one full year of homeowner's insurance premiums prior to the closing, with the receipt to be brought to the closing. Have your insurance agent fax a copy of the paid receipt directly to your lender as well.
5. Notify your present utilities (if applicable) and arrange for services at your new address approximately 2 weeks prior to the closing. This includes gas, electric, water, cable and phone. Don't forget to cancel or transfer deliveries, newspaper, magazines, garbage collection, etc.
6. Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walk through to make sure the home is in the same condition as it was when the offer was made and that all home inspection issues have been resolved. This is typically done the day before or the day of the closing. I will contact you to schedule the walk through.
7. The closing time and date will be set by the attorneys based upon their schedules and the availability of the title company representative. As the buyer, you will need to bring your driver's license or picture identification, as well as the paid receipt for your homeowner's insurance. Your attorney will instruct you on how to find out the amount of money to bring to closing, where the closing will be located, and what you need to bring.
8 .After closing if you want to paint, remodel, or make any other updates, I can give you recommendations as to vendors who either myself, my friends or my past clients have used.
I'm there with you every step of the way, so don't worry about calling me or emailing with any of your concerns.
As you can see, the realtor's job does not end with the choosing of the perfect home. My job is never really over!
If you want more information regarding specific real estate sales in the Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, and Lincolnshire area, please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com I am available 24/7 to make appointments!
Hi Judy, This post is a great reminder of the many things we do for each and every client!
Judy, a great list to give to clients to show our job continues even after a contract is signed.
Amazing list - our partnership with our clients never ends- Have a great day!
Great list Judy. I have heard from many buyers who said they hardly ever heard from their agent after the close on paper but before closing. We have to be there until they get their keys!
Judy...thanks for outlining the list...and seemingly more than i've seen over the past 13 years, the deal really isn't in the bag until the final signature...too many contracts fall through because someone does not do their part of the business...Cherise
Our job just begins when we find our clients the perfect home!
Good job letting the public know all that's involved...much of which they never know we do!
Thanks to all for the comments... I loved writing the list to help a new home buyer anticipate what was going to happen next!
Judy, so many buyers haven't a clue as to the buying process. They think that all they have to do is get an accepted offer, a mortgage commitment and them close. This is a great list of basics for them.