Buying your first home can feel exciting until the paperwork starts arriving from your lender, the seller and the closing team. Suddenly, you have forms to review, terms to understand and signatures to provide, all while trying to make sure everything stays on track. Knowing what to expect can make the process easier to manage and help you prepare before closing.
Here are the key documents you should expect during your first home purchase.
Documents to prepare for your purchase
You will typically need personal and financial paperwork to help your lender and closing team complete the transaction. This may include:
- Government-issued ID with your photo
- Proof of funds for your down payment and closing costs
- Income and financial records requested by your lender
- Homeowners insurance information, if required
Your lender may request additional information depending on your loan and financial situation, so keep important records accessible throughout the process.
Documents to review before closing
You should review the paperwork that sets out your purchase terms, financing and ownership of the property before you arrive at the closing table. Common items include:
- Purchase agreement
- Loan documents
- Closing Disclosure
- Title-related documents
- Settlement or closing statement
For most mortgage loans, your lender has at least three business days to provide the Closing Disclosure before you sign the loan documents. This gives you time to compare the final loan terms and costs with what you previously expected.
You should also understand how the deed will transfer ownership to you. Kentucky law generally requires deeds and certain other instruments to be recorded with the county clerk in the county where the property sits. This recording helps establish the transaction in the public land records.
Documents to bring to closing
Aside from the items you already gathered during the purchase process, make sure you bring any additional paperwork your lender or closing attorney requested. If someone will sign on your behalf, you should also bring any authorization documents required for that arrangement.
Confirm these requirements before closing so you do not arrive without something needed to complete the transaction.
Know what you’re signing before you buy
Being familiar with the paperwork ahead of time can help you prepare for your first home purchase and recognize when you need an explanation before signing.
You do not have to sort through unfamiliar legal terms on your own. Having an attorney review the closing documents with you gives you an opportunity to ask questions, understand your obligations and address potential issues before you finalize the purchase.