What Happens Next: From Inspection to Closing
Your roadmap through the final stretch of the home buying process — clear steps, zero surprises, and a trusted teammate by your side every move of the way. 🏒
Matt Van Voorhis
You Made It Through Inspection — Now What?
Congratulations — you're officially under contract and past one of the biggest milestones in the home buying process. That's no small thing. The inspection phase tested the deal, and you navigated it successfully.
Now it's time to shift gears. We're moving from negotiation mode into execution mode — and the goal is simple: keep everything on track for a smooth, on-time closing. Every step from here has a purpose, a timeline, and an action item. Stay engaged, respond quickly when asked, and trust the process.
Your teammate in every move 🏒 — Matt The Hockey REALTOR® is with you from this moment through the keys in your hand.
Inspection Contingency Removed ✅
With the inspection contingency officially resolved, your purchase agreement is now moving forward in full. Any repairs that were requested have been agreed upon, and if an amendment was needed, it's been signed by all parties. This is a major milestone — it means the deal is real and the path to closing is clear.
Repairs Agreed Upon
All negotiated repair items have been confirmed and documented between buyer and seller.
Amendment Signed
If any changes to the agreement were required, all parties have signed the updated documentation.
Full Steam Ahead
Your purchase agreement is active and moving forward — momentum is everything from this point on.
💡 Pro Tip: This is where deals get real. The next few weeks are about speed and responsiveness — your prompt action keeps everyone on schedule.
Appraisal Ordered by Your Lender
Once under contract, your lender will order an appraisal through a licensed, independent appraiser. Their job is to evaluate the property and confirm that its fair market value supports the purchase price you've agreed to. This protects both you and the lender. Appraisals are typically completed within 1–2 weeks of being ordered.
✅ Value Meets or Exceeds Price
Smooth sailing — the lender proceeds with confidence and your loan moves forward without delay.
⚠️ Value Comes In Low
No need to panic. We strategize together — options include renegotiating the price, covering a gap in cash, or challenging the appraisal with comparable data.
Underwriting in Motion
While the appraisal is being completed, your lender's underwriting team is doing a deep dive into your financial profile. This is the most thorough review of the entire loan process — they're verifying that everything checks out before giving final loan approval.
Income Verification
Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and employment confirmation are all reviewed to verify your earning history and stability.
Asset Review
Your bank statements and investment accounts are reviewed to confirm you have sufficient funds for the down payment and closing costs.
Credit Evaluation
Your credit profile is reviewed for any recent changes. Avoid new credit inquiries or large purchases during this period.
⚡ Important: If your lender requests additional documents, respond as quickly as possible. Delays in document submission are one of the most common causes of closing date pushbacks.
Title & Ownership Review
While your loan is being processed, the title company is hard at work behind the scenes. They conduct a thorough search of the property's ownership history — going back decades — to ensure the title is clean and that there are no unexpected liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, or disputes attached to the property.
Once the search is complete, you'll receive a title commitment — a formal document outlining what will be covered under your title insurance policy. Review it carefully with your agent. Title insurance protects you and your lender from any future claims that arise from issues in the property's past.
Property History Search
The title company researches the full chain of ownership to identify any clouds on title before closing.
Lien & Encumbrance Check
Any outstanding liens, mortgages, or legal claims against the property must be resolved before the transaction closes.
Closing Document Preparation
The title company coordinates with all parties to prepare the final closing package — the paperwork you'll sign on closing day.
HOA Documents & Review Period
If Applicable
If your new home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) or Common Interest Community (CIC), you'll receive a package of governing documents for review. This is your opportunity to fully understand the rules, finances, and expectations of the community you're joining — before you're legally bound by them.
What to Review
- Rules, regulations & bylaws
- Budget and financial reserves
- Any pending or upcoming special assessments
- Meeting minutes and known issues
Your Rights in Minnesota
In Minnesota, buyers typically have a 10-day right to review HOA/CIC documents. During this window, you can rescind your purchase agreement if the documents reveal deal-breaking concerns — no penalty required.
Use this time wisely. Read everything and ask questions early.
Setting Up Your Homeowners Insurance
Your lender requires proof of homeowners insurance before they'll authorize closing. This isn't optional — it's a non-negotiable step in the process. The good news is that setting up a policy is straightforward, and you have options for who you work with.
01
Shop for Providers
Get quotes from multiple insurance companies or ask your agent for a trusted referral. Rates vary significantly between providers.
02
Select Your Coverage
Make sure your policy covers at minimum the replacement cost of the home and your lender's required liability limits.
03
Policy Active by Closing Day
Your insurance policy must be in effect on or before your closing date. Provide proof of insurance to your lender ahead of time.
💡 Smart Tip: Bundling your homeowners insurance with your existing auto policy can often unlock meaningful discounts — sometimes 10–25% off both premiums.
Final Walkthrough
Usually 24–48 Hours Before Closing
The final walkthrough is your last chance to see the property before it becomes yours. Think of it as your pre-game skate — a final check to make sure everything is in order before you step onto the ice for closing day.
This is not the time for a full re-inspection. It's a focused confirmation that the home is in the same condition as when you made your offer, that all agreed-upon repairs have been completed, and that no new damage has occurred during the seller's move-out process.
✅ Condition Unchanged
Confirm no new damage occurred during the seller's move-out.
✅ Repairs Completed
Verify that all negotiated repair items have been done as agreed.
✅ Appliances & Systems
Test appliances, HVAC, plumbing, and anything that was included in the sale.
✅ Nothing Left Behind
Confirm the home has been fully vacated and cleaned per contract terms.
Numbers Locked In — Your Closing Disclosure
Three business days before closing, you'll receive your Closing Disclosure (CD) — one of the most important documents in the entire transaction. This is the final, official summary of your loan terms and the exact cash you'll need to bring to the closing table.
What's Inside the CD
- Final loan amount and interest rate
- Monthly payment breakdown (principal, interest, taxes, insurance)
- All closing costs itemized by category
- Exact cash-to-close amount
- Any seller credits applied to your costs
What You Should Do
Review your Closing Disclosure carefully and compare it to your original Loan Estimate. Minor variations are normal, but any significant discrepancies should be flagged immediately with your lender.
Once you've confirmed the numbers, arrange your funds — either a wire transfer or cashier's check — for the closing day amount listed. Personal checks are not accepted.
Closing Day 🎉
This is the moment everything has been building toward. Closing day is when ownership of the home officially transfers from the seller to you. It typically takes place at the title company and lasts about an hour — you'll sign a significant stack of documents, but every signature brings you one step closer to those keys.
Bring Your ID
A government-issued photo ID is required for every person signing at the closing table.
Bring Your Funds
Wire your closing funds ahead of time or bring a cashier's check for the exact amount on your Closing Disclosure.
Sign the Documents
You'll review and sign the loan documents, deed of trust, closing statement, and several other required forms.
Receive Your Keys 🔑
Once all documents are signed and funds are confirmed, ownership is yours. Welcome home.
You're a Homeowner! 🏡
The papers are signed, the keys are in your hand, and the home is officially yours. Take a moment to celebrate — you've earned it. Now there are just a few final steps to wrap up your transition from buyer to homeowner.
Transfer Utilities
Make sure all utilities — electric, gas, water, internet — are fully transitioned into your name starting from your closing date.
Keep All Your Documents
Store your closing package, title policy, and warranty documents in a safe place. You'll reference these for taxes, future sales, and insurance claims.
Move In & Make It Home
Now comes the best part — settling in, decorating, and making the space truly yours. You've worked hard for this moment.
🤝 I'm still here: Whether you need contractor referrals, have questions about your new home, or just want to celebrate — don't hesitate to reach out. My job doesn't end at closing.
Let's Finish Strong
From the first offer to the final signature, it's been an honor to be your teammate through this process. Every step we've walked through together was designed to get you to this moment — keys in hand, home in your heart.
📞 Call or Text
(952)200-0891
📧 Email
matt.vanvoorhis@teampemberton.com
"Your teammate in every move." 🏒— Matt Van Voorhis
