How to Avoid Surprises at the Closing Table

in your market. The buyer and seller need to be on the same page with the closing agreements and have everything put into writing. There are no valid verbal agreements in the real estate game, so be sure your real estate agent has all the terms and conditions written in the contract. It's also best to know ahead of time what items will be included in the sale, such as appliances,

swing sets, curtains and the like.

Closing day should be easy and painless. To make that happen you'll need to have all your loan paperwork done, inspections and repairs finished, and most likely a cashier's check in hand when you walk into your closing. Knowing the amount of the check ahead of time and getting to the bank to have it made it as early as possible will make your closing go like clockwork.

Once a home is purchased, a title to the property will be issued to the new owners. In most cases, a husband and wife will have both names added to the title. However, in some cases, the property title is going to be shared with another party that was involved with the purchase. This may include friends or family of the primary buyer, or anyone else they see fit. Putting someone on the title to your new home may seem like a benevolent gesture, but buyer beware for complications down the road. A property may not be resold until all parties on the title have consented and sign for the sale.

It's also possible for property to be taken to pay damages in any type of lawsuit that the title holders may be involved in.