BUYER GUIDE
Beyond Transactions
Delivering an Exceptional Closing Experience
Discover the Weissman Difference Your agent values Weissman as a trusted advisor for real estate closings. When you close with Weissman, here’s how you benefit: UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE: With decades of experience, our attorneys are experts in all aspects of real estate law. Our strong relationships with agents and lenders allow us to work together to make your home buying process easy and efficient. SERVICE EXCELLENCE: We care that we exceed your expectations, thoroughly answer your questions, and help alleviate any concerns you may have. Relationships matter. We work hard to earn your trust and strive to build enduring personal and professional relationships beyond the transaction. INNOVATION: ClosingConnect is a unique proprietary online platform that provides a more secure way to share critical closing information with Weissman than traditional methods. It’s simple, seamless and smart. You can access and view the status of your file – anytime, anywhere – with peace of mind. CONVENIENCE: We have offices throughout the metro Atlanta area so you can choose a convenient location for your closing.
Closing: The Basics What is closing?
The closing is when the parties to a real estate contract come together to finalize the transaction. At closing, documents are explained by the attorney and signed, title to the property is transferred, and funds are collected and disbursed.
What should I bring to closing? •
A valid, non-expired photo ID (driver’s license, passport or other government-issued ID)
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Any documents required by your lender or requested by Weissman
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Your checkbook in case you owe more than the funds you wired for closing
What is a survey and do I need one?
A survey is a sketch or map of a piece of land showing the property boundaries and physical features, like rivers, creeks, and roadways. Surveys also identify building set back lines, easements, houses, fences, and other structures and items which impact the property. We recommend you obtain a recent survey of the property from the seller or order a new survey prior to closing.
Helpful Tips: •
o not make changes to your financial status, open D new credit card accounts or make significant purchases until after closing
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How long will closing take?
Do not schedule out of town trips during the week of your scheduled closing date
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Consult with your agent or closing attorney about a survey and owner’s title insurance
How will I know how much money is needed for closing?
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Remember to purchase homeowner’s insurance on your new home prior to closing
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Transfer utilities the day of closing and/or occupancy, but not before
Closings rarely take more than an hour.
The lender will provide you an estimate throughout the loan process (if applicable). Weissman will send an ALTA Settlement Statement (an itemization of all fees/charges) indicating the final amount needed to close.
What is title insurance and do I need it?
Title insurance protects your ownership rights to the property. And, you most definitely need it! Lenders require you pay for a title insurance policy that protects their investment as the lender. However, their policy doesn’t insure you from damages or claims. You should have an owner’s policy to protect your investment as well.
For more information about the closing process, visit www.weissman.law/real-estate/buyers
ClosingConnect, Weissman’s proprietary online platform, provides a simple, seamless and more secure way to share critical closing information than traditional methods. It’s the smarter way to get ready for closing.
CLOSING CHECKLIST/STATUS View descriptions of items needed, their status, and the responsible party. REQUIRED/SUBMITTED INFO Buyers and sellers provide necessary information required for closing.
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS View and download wiring instructions. YOUR CLOSING DETAILS Verify closing date, time and location, and download directions or link to Google maps.
YOUR CLOSING TEAM Access contact information of your closing team.
UPLOAD DOCUMENTS Uploading documents is easy – just drag and drop. VIEW DOCUMENTS View closing documents shared with you by Weissman. SEND US A MESSAGE Communicate with Weissman about your closing.
PLEASE READ the Wire Fraud Warning carefully. Since wire fraud is on the rise, Weissman asks that buyers obtain our wiring instructions through ClosingConnect only and disregard any communication to the contrary.
WIRE FRAUD WARNING The real estate industry has seen a substantial increase in fraud attempts including fraudulent emails directing buyers to send funds for closing to an unauthorized third party’s account. Please note that Weissman’s wiring instructions downloaded from ClosingConnect will not change. If you receive an email or communication from anyone, especially someone purporting to be your agent or a representative of Weissman, with revised wiring instructions, please disregard and immediately contact Weissman using the number provided in ClosingConnect.
Contract to Closing: What to Expect Agent sends contract to Weissman. Buyer transfers earnest money. If Weissman is holder, transfer funds at www.weissmanEM.com. Buyer receives email from Weissman followed by a registration email from ClosingConnect. Buyer completes information required for closing in ClosingConnect within 24 hours. Parties schedule closing date, time, and location in consultation with Weissman. Buyer receives amount of funds to close from lender (or closing attorney if cash), generally three (3) days prior to closing. Buyer downloads wiring instructions from ClosingConnect, wires funds at least 24 hours prior to closing, and notifies Weissman of the amount wired. At least one day prior to closing, visit “Your Closing Details” in ClosingConnect to view your closing time and location. At closing, buyer signs documents, title to the property is transferred, and funds are collected and disbursed. Signed ALTA Settlement Statement, Warranty Deed, and Owner’s Title Policy are available in ClosingConnect.
ClosingConnect.net | Weissman.Law
We look forward to working with you on your closing. BUCKHEAD • CUMMING • EAST COBB • GAINESVILLE • MCDONOUGH • MIDTOWN • NORTH FULTON PEACHTREE CITY • PERIMETER • SUGARLOAF • WEST COBB • WOODSTOCK • 85 NORTH
Call 404.926.4500 or visit weissman.law for more information.