Closing soon? Use this home closing checklist for Georgia buyers to stay organized, avoid wire fraud, and get your keys.

How closing works in Georgia

In Georgia, real estate closings are handled by a closing attorney. The attorney's office searches the title, prepares the closing documents, collects and sends the money, and records the deed with the county. Your lender, your agent, and the attorney all work together during the last few weeks.

At least three business days before closing, your lender must give you a Closing Disclosure. This form shows your final loan terms, your closing costs, and the cash you need to bring. Compare it with your Loan Estimate, and ask your lender about any numbers that changed.

Your home closing checklist

Use this checklist in the weeks before your closing day.

Two to three weeks before closing

• Answer every request from your lender quickly, and upload documents the same day if you can.
• Buy your homeowners insurance policy, and send proof to your lender.
• Keep your finances steady: no new credit, no new car loans, and no job changes without asking your lender first.
• Start scheduling utility transfers for power, water, internet, and trash service.

The week of closing

• Read your Closing Disclosure carefully, line by line.
• Ask the closing attorney's office how they want to receive your funds.
• Confirm the closing time, the location, and who needs to attend.
• Schedule your final walk-through of the home.

Closing day

• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Bring proof of your funds or confirmation that your wire was received.
• Take your time reading documents, and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
• Sign using the same version of your name that appears on your loan documents.

Protect yourself from wire fraud

Wire fraud is one of the biggest risks in a real estate closing. Criminals send fake emails that look like they came from the attorney, the lender, or the agent, with new wiring instructions that send your money to their own account. Once a wire is sent, it can be very hard to get back.

Follow these rules every time:

1. Never trust wiring instructions that arrive only by email.
2. Call the closing attorney's office using a phone number you found on your own, such as from their official website or your contract, not a number from the email.
3. Be suspicious of any last-minute change to wiring instructions. Legitimate offices rarely change them.
4. Confirm that the money arrived by calling the office again after you send it.

If you think you have been targeted, call your bank right away and report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. The CFPB also has tips on avoiding fraud and scams.

Use a consistent name on every document

Small differences in your name, such as a missing middle initial or a nickname, can slow things down. Use the same full legal name on your loan application, your insurance policy, and your closing documents. If your name has changed recently, tell your lender and the closing attorney early.

After you get the keys

Your to-do list continues after closing. In Georgia, homeowners who live in the home as their primary residence may qualify for a homestead exemption, which can lower property taxes. You apply with your county, and the usual deadline is April 1, so check with your county tax office for the exact rules. You should also change the locks, update your address, and keep a copy of your closing documents in a secure place at home.

Julie's moving checklist covers the weeks before and after your move, and her Home Buying Guide walks through every step from offer to closing.

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Sources

• Closing Disclosure explainer (CFPB)
• Loan Estimate explainer (CFPB)
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• Fraud and scams (CFPB)