What Are the Closing Steps for Buying a Waunakee Home?

You’ve searched, toured, offered, inspected, and finally made it to the finish line—closing day. But before you get the keys to your new Waunakee home, there are a few final steps to wrap up. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating to South Central Wisconsin, or using your Homes for Heroes savings as a local teacher, veteran, or healthcare worker, this guide walks you through what to expect at closing.

Let’s break it down step by step:

✅ 1. Final Loan Approval & Closing Disclosure

Once your offer is accepted and the home inspection is complete, your lender will move your loan into final underwriting. During this stage, they verify all your financial information one last time and issue a Clear to Close—the green light that everything is in order.

You’ll also receive a Closing Disclosure at least 3 days before closing. This document outlines your final loan terms, monthly payment, closing costs, and total cash needed to close. It’s crucial to review this carefully and ask your Realtor or lender if anything looks off.

🔑 Local Tip: If you’re using a VA loan or special program like Homes for Heroes, make sure those credits and savings are clearly reflected!

✅ 2. Schedule the Final Walk-Through

Usually done 24–72 hours before closing, the final walk-through is your chance to ensure the home is in the same condition as when you made the offer. You’re checking that:

• Repairs (if any) were completed

• No damage has occurred

• Items included in the sale (appliances, fixtures) are still there

• The sellers have fully moved out

This step gives you peace of mind before signing and helps avoid any surprises.

🏡 Waunakee Pro Tip: If the home has a sump pump or water softener (common in Dane County), test it during your walk-through—especially after spring rains.

✅ 3. Transfer Utilities Into Your Name

To avoid a lapse in service, you’ll want to transfer utilities before closing. Contact Waunakee Utilities and any applicable providers (MG&E for gas/electric, Spectrum for internet, etc.) to schedule activation on your closing date.

Here’s a quick utility checklist:

• 📞 Electricity & Water: Waunakee Utilities

• 🔌 Gas: Madison Gas & Electric

• 🌐 Internet/TV: Spectrum, TDS, or AT&T

• 🗑️ Trash & Recycling: Usually handled by the city, confirm with your agent

💡 Hero Tip: Some utility providers offer discounts or flexible setups for veterans or service professionals—ask when you call!

✅ 4. Wire Funds or Bring a Cashier’s Check

Your lender or title company will give you the final amount due at closing—this includes your down payment, closing costs, and prepaids (like property taxes and homeowners insurance).

You’ll either wire the funds securely (double-check wire instructions to avoid scams!) or bring a certified/cashier’s check to the closing table. (No Personal Checks!!)

💰 Reminder: Always confirm wire details verbally with your title company. Email scams targeting real estate closings are on the rise!

✅ 5. Sign the Final Documents

Closing day in Waunakee usually takes place at a local title company. You’ll need your government-issued ID and some hand strength—there’s a lot to sign!

Documents typically include:

• Promissory Note & Mortgage

• Closing Disclosure acknowledgment

• Deed of Trust

• Escrow agreements

Your Realtor and the closing agent will walk you through every form so you understand what you're signing.

✅ 6. Get the Keys and Celebrate!

Once everything is signed and the funds are received, the home officially transfers into your name. In some cases, the keys are handed over immediately after signing. In others, it may take a few hours to record with Dane County.

Either way—you’re officially a Waunakee homeowner 🎉

Bonus: What to Do Right After Closing

Even though the transaction is done, you’ll want to take care of a few things in the first 24–48 hours:

• Change the locks and update the keypad codes

• Confirm homeowner’s insurance coverage start date

• Test smoke and CO detectors

• Set up mail forwarding with USPS

• Take a photo in front of your new Waunakee home!

Why Local Expertise Matters in Waunakee

The Waunakee market has its own quirks—from tight inventory to septic inspections in rural areas to community-specific HOA rules. That’s why having a local expert like John Reuter, USAF (Ret.)—who not only knows the market but also helps veterans and local heroes save with Homes for Heroes—can make all the difference at closing.

Check out our YouTube Channel for more real estate tips and local market insights—don’t forget to subscribe!

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🏡 John Reuter, Realtor | USAF (Ret.)
📞 Call/Text: 608-669-4226
📧 john@integrityhomeswi.com

Real Broker, LLC