Appraiser

Another door-open event before closing is home appraisal.  Lender send an appraiser to check on the house to decide the home value for loan decision.

 

How can a homeowner prepare for a home appraisal?
— make sure the gas, water, and electricity (utilities) are turned on and functional.
— install at least one smoke detector on each floor, and one outside each bedroom area.
— place at least one Carbon Monoxide Alarm outside all bedroom areas (fhallways).
— California required Dual Earthquake Straps on Water Heater Tanks (unless tankless).  One strap around the top 1/3 of the tank and one strap around the bottom 1/3 of the tank.

After buyer remove appraisal contingency, and then loan contingency, all parties work hard for the closing.

Buyers also have a chance for a final walkthrough of the house before closing.  The escrow company distributes fund to all parties. The new ownership is recorded, and with that,  a new journey starts…..