Congratulations — a seller has accepted your offer! A few significant steps still stand between you and the keys, though. As your Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®), I'll explain each one and answer your questions along the way. Here's the road ahead.
Every transaction is unique, but most travel the same path. Here are the six most significant steps from a signed contract to closing day.
You're under contract. Now let's get you to the closing table.
If your offer includes an inspection contingency, schedule a thorough inspection with a qualified, licensed inspector — I can suggest several to choose from. You'll get a written report detailing any flaws and how serious they are.
If significant problems turn up, your contingency clause should let you renegotiate or cancel the contract without obligation. Skipping this step is one of the most expensive homebuyer mistakes.
Once you're under contract, a title company opens the order, runs a title search, and issues a title commitment — a report showing the state of the title and any liens, easements, or other items affecting the property. They also hold your earnest money in escrow and will conduct the closing itself.
We'll review the commitment together so there are no surprises before closing day, and you'll receive title insurance protecting your ownership.
Securing a mortgage can be more complex than many people expect, with a lot of documents that must come together quickly. Supply your lender with everything they request, promptly, so your financing is fully in place for closing day.
Still weighing lenders? See the differences between mortgage providers.
Moving is real work, so decide how much help you'll need. If you're hiring movers, compare costs and book early. Coordinate dates to stop utilities at your old place and start them at your new one.
Don't forget to update your address with the post office, your bank, credit-card companies, insurance agents, and family and friends.
A pre-closing walk-through is your last check that any inspection-related repairs were completed and that everything meant to convey — like the appliances — is still in the home. The timing varies depending on local market practice.
When you applied for your mortgage, you received an estimate of your closing costs (today called a Loan Estimate). As closing approaches, your final Closing Disclosure spells out the exact figures.
You'll confirm precisely how much money to bring and which forms of payment are accepted — often a wire transfer or a cashier's check. Knowing both ahead of time keeps closing day stress-free.
Sign, fund, and celebrate. Welcome home.
Two local details worth knowing. First, New Mexico does license home inspectors under the Home Inspector Licensing Act — they're overseen by the New Mexico Home Inspector Board, follow defined standards of practice, must carry insurance, and use a written pre-inspection agreement. Only a licensed inspector may sign the report, and you're encouraged to confirm an inspector's license before hiring. I'm glad to recommend several licensed inspectors.
Second, New Mexico closings are customarily handled through a title or escrow company rather than an attorney, so attorney review is optional here. You're always welcome to have a lawyer review your contract for extra peace of mind — it just isn't required the way it is in some states. Want the bigger picture of how I help through closing? See what your buyer's agent can do for you.
The contract-to-closing window moves fast, with a lot of moving parts. As your Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®), I'll keep the steps organized, the deadlines on track, and your questions answered — all the way to the keys.
Quite a bit, and usually on a tight timeline. The most significant steps are completing a home inspection, requesting an attorney review if your offer includes one, finalizing your mortgage, getting ready to move, attending a final walk-through, and preparing for closing costs. Every transaction is a little different, but those six milestones cover the path from contract to keys.
If your offer includes an inspection contingency, scheduling one is strongly recommended. A licensed inspector gives you a written report on any flaws and how serious they are, and your contingency lets you renegotiate or cancel without obligation if significant problems turn up. One thing to know locally: New Mexico does license home inspectors under the Home Inspector Licensing Act, so you can confirm an inspector's license with the New Mexico Home Inspector Board — and only a licensed inspector may sign the report. I'm happy to recommend several licensed inspectors.
Usually not. In New Mexico, closings are customarily handled through a title or escrow company rather than an attorney, so attorney review is optional. You're always welcome to hire a lawyer to review your contract or take part in closing if you'd like the extra peace of mind, but it isn't required the way it is in some states.
When you applied for your mortgage, you received an estimate of your closing costs (today called a Loan Estimate). As closing nears, your final Closing Disclosure spells out the exact figures, and you'll confirm precisely how much to bring and which forms of payment are accepted — often a wire transfer or a cashier's check. Knowing the amount and method ahead of time keeps closing day smooth.
Whether you're under contract now or just getting started, I'll help you move through each step with confidence. Reach out anytime — no pressure, no obligation.