Closing-day checklist for buyers

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Before closing

• Do your final walk-through to confirm the home’s condition, agreed repairs and included items.
• Confirm wiring instructions by phone, using a number you already know or one from an independent source such as your contract, never one from an email or text. See the wire fraud warning.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Send funds only in the way and amount your title company or attorney instructs.
• Review your Closing Disclosure, which your lender must give you at least 3 business days before closing, and compare it with your Loan Estimate.
• Get your homeowner’s insurance binder (proof of coverage) to your lender.

At closing

• Review and sign your closing documents; ask your attorney about anything that is unclear.

Keys and access

• House keys for every exterior door, and any storm door or gate keys.
• Garage door openers and any garage keypad code.
• Alarm or security system codes and app access; change all codes after you move in.
• Mailbox keys.
• Building fobs, parking passes and amenity keys (condominium or HOA).
• Consider rekeying the exterior locks after closing.

Warranties

• Confirm whether a home warranty is included under your contract, and activate or transfer it into your name.
• Check which manufacturer or workmanship warranties convey with the property (appliances, heating and cooling, water heater, roof, windows, or a new-construction builder warranty) and register them in your name where required.
• Get warranty documents, manuals, receipts and contractor contact information from the seller at or before closing.

After closing

• Start or transfer utilities in your name: electric, gas, water and sewer, trash and internet.
• Cancel or end utilities at your old address.
• File your change of address with the U.S. Postal Service (moversguide.usps.com, the official USPS site).
• Update the address on your Illinois driver’s license or ID card and your vehicle registration within 10 days (Illinois Secretary of State; they are updated separately).
• Update your voter registration with your new address (Illinois State Board of Elections online voter registration).
• Update your address with your banks, credit cards, and employer or payroll.
• Tell the IRS about your new address with Form 8822, Change of Address.
• Update your home and auto insurance policies.
• Change or rekey the exterior locks.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• File for your homeowner exemption; see Property tax check.
• Store your closing documents, deed and title policy in a safe place.