What Are Some Tips to Prepare for Closing on A Home?
Congratulations! You’re about to reach one of the biggest milestones in your life — buying a new home! As a highly experienced home builder in the Savannah area, Ernest Homes has helped many families find the right community, floor plan, and support all the way through closing day. To make your experience as smooth as possible, here are our top tips for preparing for the day you officially close on your new Ernest home.
Our Best Tips for New Homeowners Closing on a House
1. Complete Your Homeowner Orientation
Your homeowner orientation helps ensure your new home meets Ernest Homes’ quality standards and that all selections and changes are complete. We’ll walk through your home, note any details that need attention, and answer your questions.
Before orientation, please read The Homeowners’ Manual Part 2: Caring for Your Home so you’ll know what to expect. We also kindly ask that you leave friends and children at home during this time so you can focus fully on the information provided.
2. Schedule Your Closing Date
Whether it’s your first home purchase or you’re moving up, it’s important to understand the expected timeline. We provide an exact delivery date once construction reaches a stage where weather and other factors are unlikely to cause delays — usually about 45 days before closing. The closing appointment itself typically lasts under an hour.
3. Know the Common House Closing Documents
Planning ahead helps reduce stress on closing day. These are some of the documents you can expect to review and sign:
- General Warranty Deed
- Title Commitment
- 2-10 Homebuyers Warranty
- Promissory Note
- Deed of Trust
4. Plan Your Funds for Payment
You’ll need to bring your down payment and closing costs on closing day. Because most lenders do not accept personal checks or money orders, confirm in advance which payment method is required. Once you have the exact amount, your title company may accept:
- Certified check
- Cashier’s check
- Wire transfer
5. Consider Your Mortgage Repayment Strategy
Buying a home is a major investment, but with Ernest Homes you’re never alone. We work with trusted lenders who will guide you to the best financing option for your situation. A helpful way to build equity faster: make one extra principal-only mortgage payment per year. For example, if your payment is $1,500, set aside $125 each month to create that additional annual payment.
6. Arrive Early to Closing
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Closing typically takes less than an hour and includes reviewing your documents, confirming payment, and signing the final paperwork for your new Ernest home.
Contact Ernest Homes Today!
Whether it’s your first home or your tenth, having a closing checklist and knowing what to expect makes the entire process smoother. Ernest Homes is committed to making your homebuying experience exceptional.
Still exploring your options? Browse our communities and available homes throughout the Savannah area, then contact us with any questions. We look forward to assisting you!
