After the Closing: What Homebuyers Need to Know

Congratulations on closing! As you take ownership of your new property, there are several important steps and considerations. Team Goeglein at Fidelity National Title is here to ensure your exceptional experience throughout all stages of ownership.

Transferring Utilities: Contact your local service providers to transfer electricity, gas, phone, water, cable/satellite, internet, and garbage services. Providers have different timelines and requirements — have your closing statement available. Postal Delivery: Contact your local post office for change of address forms. Proactively alert regular mailers such as service providers and personal contacts.

Keys and Locks: Upon receipt of the keys, schedule to have your locks changed. This is also a good opportunity to consider a SmartHome lock system for remote management. Your Recorded Deed: The original deed will be mailed to your new home by the County Recorder's office — generally within four to six weeks after recording. Contact the recorder's office with questions about delivery timeframes.

Loan Payments: Your closing documentation contains written instructions with your new payment information and the deadline for your first loan payment. Note the date in case you don't receive further information from your lender. Your loan may be sold to another company shortly after closing — contact your original lender to confirm any transfer before making payments to a new servicer.

Property Taxes: At closing, all property taxes are calculated based on the closing date and current assessed value. You may not receive a tax statement for the current year, but it is the property owner's obligation to ensure all taxes are paid when due. Check with your lender to determine if your tax payment will come from an escrow impound account or be paid directly. You may also receive a supplemental tax bill depending on the reassessed value — check with your local tax assessor's office for details.

Team Goeglein at Fidelity National Title supports buyers and agents well beyond the closing date. Matt Goeglein and Xavier de la Piedra IV are always available to answer post-closing questions on any transaction in the South Bay and Westside LA.