Closing and After

Title and survey

In Florida, a title company or attorney closes the sale. The title commitment lists what the title insurer will and will not cover, and the survey shows the boundaries, easements, and any encroachments. I read both with you and send questions to the closing agent before the deadlines in the contract. Read title insurance in Florida and surveys, easements, and encroachments.

Estoppels and associations

For a condo or an HOA, the closing agent orders an estoppel certificate that states what is owed. Board approval, where required, has its own timeline. Read estoppel certificates and condo board approval.

Wire safety

Wire fraud targets real estate closings. You confirm wire instructions by calling the closing agent at a number you already have, never from an email. I remind you of this at every step. Read wire fraud at a Tampa Bay closing.

The walk-through and closing day

We walk the home within a day of closing to confirm agreed repairs, that what conveys is still there, and that the home is in the condition the contract requires. Closing can be in person or by remote online notarization. Read what conveys with a furnished home.

After you close

• File for homestead by March 1 if the home is your primary residence. Read homestead and Save Our Homes.
• Expect the tax bill to reset. Read your first Florida property tax bill.
• Sign up for property fraud alerts with the county clerk. Read deed fraud and title theft.
• Establish Florida domicile if you moved from another state. Read establishing Florida domicile.

I stay on after closing for vendor referrals, questions about the home, and the market data you will want when it is time to sell. Back to how I represent buyers.