As your closing day approaches, the excitement of owning a home in Los Angeles is palpable. Whether you’re settling into the laid-back vibes of Long Beach or the coastal charm of San Pedro, this is a moment to celebrate. But before popping the champagne, there are some important pre-closing details for buyers in Los Angeles to address. Staying organized and prepared will help ensure your settlement day is smooth and stress-free.

In this week’s article, we’ll cover a comprehensive checklist to get you ready for the big day. From connecting utilities to navigating your final walk-through, this guide has everything you need to handle your pre-closing details for buyers in Los Angeles confidently.

Check Off Pre-Closing Tasks

Moving into your new home is exciting, but there’s plenty to take care of before you can truly relax. Here’s how to tackle the essential pre-closing details for buyers in Los Angeles, ensuring your home is ready for you and your family.

1. Connect Your Utilities

You don’t want to arrive at your new home and find it without power, water, or internet! Contact utility companies serving Los Angeles neighborhoods like San Pedro and Long Beach, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Southern California Edison (SCE), or SoCalGas, to set up your accounts.

Schedule your services to start on the day of your settlement to avoid interruptions. Sellers will typically disconnect their utilities that day, so having yours activated on time ensures a smooth transition.

While cable and internet aren’t essential for settlement day, consider booking an installation appointment early to avoid delays. You’ll appreciate being connected as soon as possible, especially if you need to work remotely or unwind with your favorite shows.

2. Secure Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is a must before closing on your new property. Ensure your policy begins on the day of settlement and provide a copy to your lender. This step is required to finalize the closing process.

Los Angeles weather can be unpredictable, so double-check your coverage to include protections against issues like flooding or fire if your neighborhood is prone to such risks.

3. Consider a Home Warranty

For added peace of mind, you might want to purchase a home warranty. This optional coverage is especially useful for older homes in neighborhoods like San Pedro or Long Beach. If something breaks after you move in—like your HVAC system or appliances—a home warranty can save you from unexpected expenses.

Get Prepared for Closing Day

The day you’ve been waiting for is almost here! To make sure everything goes smoothly, focus on these pre-closing details for buyers in Los Angeles so there are no last-minute surprises.

1. What to Bring to Settlement

On settlement day, bring the following:

• A valid driver’s license or state-issued ID.
• A certified check made out to the title company for the remaining balance owed. Alternatively, you can wire the funds in advance but be cautious of wire fraud. Always verify wire instructions in person or via a trusted phone call, as scammers often target buyers with fraudulent emails.

If any unexpected costs arise, having a personal checkbook handy can be a lifesaver.

2. Final Walk-Through

Before you officially close on your home, we’ll conduct a final walk-through. This allows us to ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition and confirm that all negotiated items (such as appliances or repairs) are present and accounted for.

For homes in Long Beach or San Pedro, this step is crucial, especially if you’ve requested specific repairs or fixtures to remain. It’s also your last chance to check for any issues before signing the paperwork.

3. Review Your Closing Disclosure

Your lender is required to send you a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before settlement. This document outlines the final terms of your loan, closing costs, and the details of who pays and receives funds at closing.

Take the time to carefully review this form to ensure everything matches what you’ve agreed to with your lender. If you have questions or notice discrepancies, reach out to me or your lender immediately to resolve them before closing day.

Why Pre-Closing Details Matter

Taking care of these pre-closing details for buyers in Los Angeles will make your transition to homeownership seamless. Whether you’re setting up utilities in a charming San Pedro bungalow or preparing to move into a Long Beach craftsman, planning ahead ensures everything is in order on settlement day.

Los Angeles homebuyers face unique challenges, from navigating local utility companies to managing tight timelines in competitive markets. But with a little preparation and guidance, you’ll be ready to settle into your new home without a hitch.

What’s Next?

We’re almost done with my Love Buying a Home series—just two more articles left! Next week, we’ll cover How to Make Your Settlement Successful, followed by a bonus article on maintaining your home.

I hope this series has made you feel more confident and informed about the home-buying process. As always, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let me know if you have any questions or need additional support with your Los Angeles home purchase.

JDanielRealEstate.com