Closing Documents You Should Keep
On closing days there is a lot of documents that will need to be signed. You will walk away with a thick folder filled with these documents. Here is a list of the most important documents you should keep and file away for future use:
- ALTA settlement statement. Itemizes all the costs — commissions, loan fees, points, and hazard insurance —associated with the closing. You’ll need it for income tax purposes if you paid points.
- Closing Disclosure. Summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan, including the annual percentage rate and recision period.
- Mortgage and note. Spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms.
- Deed. Transfers ownership to you.
- Affidavits. Binding statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they haven’t incurred any liens.
- Riders. Amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. Example: The sellers won’t move out until two weeks after closing but will pay rent to the buyers during that period.
- Insurance policies. Provide a record and proof of your coverage.
