What documents should I save after closing?

Save everything from the closing table. The most important documents are: your signed Closing Disclosure, your deed, your title insurance policy, your mortgage note and deed of trust, the survey if one was provided, your homeowner's insurance declarations page, all warranty documents from the builder, and the list of any items held in escrow or committed for completion. Store physical originals in a secure location and create digital backups. Your warranty documents are especially critical for new construction because you have a one-year workmanship warranty, a two-year systems warranty, and a ten-year structural warranty under the Michigan New Home Warranty Act.

What should I do with my utilities before closing?

Schedule utility transfers for your closing date or the day before, so service is active when you take possession. For new construction in Southeast Michigan, this typically includes electricity through DTE Energy or Consumers Energy, natural gas through Consumers Energy or DTE, water through your municipality, and internet and cable through your preferred provider. Some new construction communities have HOA-managed services or specific provider agreements. Ask your builder's customer care rep if there are any required providers or account transfer procedures specific to your community. Do not wait until the week of closing to start this process.

Resource Center · Part of our New Construction Guide series for Michigan buyers.

Buyer Education · New Construction

Closing Day.
Here Is Exactly What to Expect.

Q: What if my punch list items are not finished at closing?

If punch list items remain at closing, you have a few options. You can close and accept a written commitment from the builder documenting exactly which items will be completed and by when. You can request a monetary escrow holdback, where a portion of the builder's proceeds is held by the title company until items are completed. Or, if the outstanding items are significant enough, you can decline to close until they are resolved. What you should never do is close on a verbal promise with no documentation. Get every outstanding item and every completion deadline in writing before you sign.

Q: What is the builder orientation and does it happen on closing day?

The builder orientation, also called the homeowner orientation or builder walkthrough, is a separate appointment from the title company closing. The builder typically schedules it a day or two before closing, or sometimes the morning of closing day before you go to the title company. During the orientation, a builder representative walks you through the home, demonstrates how systems operate, documents any outstanding items, and begins the formal warranty process. This is different from the final punch list walkthrough, though some builders combine them. Confirm the timing with your builder's customer care team before closing week arrives.

The final signing, the funding, the keys. Closing day on a new construction home follows a familiar pattern, but there are details unique to new builds that every buyer should understand before they sit down at the title company.

Hearts to Homes Resource Center · By Derica Wade, Associate Broker · Last reviewed August 2026

Most buyers spend months preparing for the build. The walkthrough. The punch list. The financing. And then closing day arrives and the process feels sudden. Knowing exactly what happens at the table, what to bring, and what comes next makes the whole experience feel earned rather than rushed.

Part of the Hearts to Homes Resource Center · Written by Derica Wade, Associate Broker, Real Estate One · Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties

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Introduction Before Closing Day What to Bring The Closing Process Getting Your Keys After Closing Common Questions Michigan Tips Key Takeaways FAQ Related Resources

Start Here

Closing Day Is Not the Finish Line.
It Is the Beginning.

You have been watching walls go up for months. You have made your design center selections, reviewed the builder contract, passed the final walkthrough, and documented your punch list. And now the closing date is set.

Finished primary bedroom in a new construction home in Southeast Michigan, representing the home buyers are moments away from receiving on closing day

Closing day itself is straightforward when you know what to expect. You will meet at a title company, review and sign a significant stack of documents, confirm that funds are in order, and receive your keys. The whole appointment usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. What makes it feel stressful for unprepared buyers is the volume of paper, the speed at which documents are presented, and not knowing which questions are worth asking.

On a new construction home, there are a few additional layers compared to a resale closing. The builder signs their documents separately, often before you arrive. The punch list situation, if items remain, needs to be addressed in writing before you sign. And the builder orientation, where someone walks you through the home's systems and documents, is usually a separate appointment from the title company meeting.

This guide covers everything from the Closing Disclosure review through the first week after you receive your keys. Read it once before closing week arrives. You will be glad you did.

Who this guide is for

First-time buyers and move-up buyers who are closing on a new construction home in Southeast Michigan. If you are purchasing from a production builder in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, or Livingston County, everything in this guide applies directly to your transaction. The process is similar across all Michigan counties, with some variation by municipality for recording and Certificate of Occupancy requirements.

The Week Before

What to Do Before Closing Day Arrives

Closing day itself is not the time to catch problems. The time to catch them is the week before. These are the tasks that should be complete before you sit down at the title company.

Review the Closing Disclosure Carefully

Your lender is required to deliver the Closing Disclosure (CD) at least three business days before your closing date. This is a federal requirement under TRID rules, not a courtesy. The CD shows your final loan terms, interest rate, monthly payment, total closing costs broken down by line, and the exact amount of certified funds you need to bring.

When you receive it, compare it line by line to the Loan Estimate you received when you applied. Some fees are permitted to change within limits. Others, including the interest rate on a fixed-rate loan and the origination charges your lender quoted, cannot increase. If anything looks wrong or different from what you were told, call your lender before closing day. Changes that require a corrected CD will restart the three-day waiting period, which is why catching them early matters.

Confirm Final Loan Approval

A pre-approval is not the same as a clear to close. Your loan file goes through underwriting, and even late in the process, the lender may have outstanding conditions that need to be satisfied before they will issue a clear to close. Confirm with your loan officer that you have received the clear to close at least two to three business days before closing. Do not assume everything is fine because you have not heard otherwise.

Verify Wire Instructions Directly with the Title Company

If you are wiring your closing funds, call the title company directly using a phone number from their official website, not a number from an email you received. Wire fraud targeting real estate closings is a known and documented problem. Criminals intercept email communication between buyers, agents, lenders, and title companies and send fraudulent wire instructions. Confirming verbally before you initiate any wire is the only reliable protection. Do not send a wire based on email-only confirmation, even if the email looks legitimate and comes from an address you recognize.

Avoid Any Large Financial Purchases

Your lender will run a final credit check before closing to verify that your financial profile has not changed since underwriting. A new car loan, a furniture purchase on a new credit card, or any large cash withdrawal can affect your debt-to-income ratio or create questions that trigger a delay. If you have been following this rule since signing the builder contract, you already know it. Treat the week before closing as especially sensitive. Buy the furniture after the keys are in your hand.

Schedule Utilities to Transfer on Closing Day

Contact each utility provider and schedule service to transfer to your name on or before your closing date. For new construction in Southeast Michigan, this typically includes electricity, natural gas, water, and any internet or cable service. Some new construction communities have HOA-managed services or required providers. Confirm this with your builder before closing week. Walking into your home the first night without heat or electricity is a preventable problem.

Confirm Homeowner's Insurance Is Active

Your lender requires proof of homeowner's insurance before closing. Confirm with your insurance provider that your policy is bound and that the declarations page has been sent to the lender. Your lender will verify this before the closing can proceed. If you purchased a new construction home, confirm that your policy covers the structure from day one, not just the land.

Pre-closing checklist

Three business days before closing: Review Closing Disclosure against your Loan Estimate. Contact lender if anything differs.
Two business days before closing: Confirm clear to close with loan officer. Verify wire instructions by phone with the title company.
Day before closing: Confirm your homeowner's insurance is active and on file with the lender. Confirm utilities are scheduled to transfer. Confirm closing time and location.
Morning of closing: Collect everything on the bring list below. Arrive on time or a few minutes early.

Still working through the final walkthrough and punch list?

Our Final Walkthrough and Punch List Guide covers what to inspect, how to document issues, and how to handle items that are not finished before closing day.

Come Prepared

What to Bring to Your Closing

Title companies have been running closings for decades. They will have everything they need. Your job is to bring what they asked for and arrive ready to review documents at a table, not on your phone. Here is the standard list for a new construction closing in Michigan.

Government-issued photo ID for every buyer on the loan. A valid driver's license or passport is standard. Some title companies accept other forms of photo ID; confirm with your closing agent if you are unsure.
Certified funds or confirmed wire transfer for the amount shown on your Closing Disclosure. Certified funds means a cashier's check made payable to the title company. Personal checks are generally not accepted for closing funds.
Proof of homeowner's insurance if your lender did not receive it directly. Bring a printed or digital copy of your declarations page.
Any outstanding documentation requested by your lender or title company. If you received a specific request in the days before closing, bring what was asked.
Your copy of the purchase agreement and any addenda. You may not need them, but having the contract in hand is useful if a question arises at the table about what was agreed.
A pen. Not essential since the title company provides them, but many buyers prefer their own.

Michigan Tip

Michigan does not require both spouses to attend closing unless both are on the deed and loan. However, some title companies and lenders prefer all borrowers present. Confirm the requirement with your title company in advance if one buyer cannot attend in person. A power of attorney may be available as an alternative with proper advance notice.

What Not to Bring

Do not bring your checkbook expecting to pay with a personal check. Do not bring cash, even for small balances. Do not bring anyone who is not listed on the transaction unless your title company has approved it in advance. And do not bring a purchasing mindset for anything beyond what is on your Closing Disclosure. The closing table is not the place to negotiate concessions or revisit builder commitments that were not documented in writing before you arrived.

What Happens at the Table

The Closing Process, Step by Step

Most buyers have heard the phrase "closing table" without knowing exactly what happens there. Here is the sequence from arrival to leaving with your keys.

Arrive and introductions. You will meet the closing agent at the title company. Your REALTOR should also be present. If your lender is attending in person, you will meet them here as well. Most lenders participate by phone or email if they do not attend in person. The builder's side of the transaction is typically handled separately; the builder signs their documents before your appointment.
Review the HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure. The closing agent will walk through the settlement statement showing exactly who receives what proceeds, what you owe, and what credits apply. Compare this to your Closing Disclosure. The numbers should match. If they do not, ask before you sign.
Sign mortgage documents. This is the largest portion of the signing appointment. Your lender's documents include the Promissory Note, which is your promise to repay the loan, the Deed of Trust or Mortgage, which pledges the property as collateral, and the mortgage disclosures your lender is required to have you sign. The closing agent will explain each document as it is presented. You have every right to read any document before signing. Most buyers find the explanations sufficient for standard documents, but do not hesitate to ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Sign deed documents. The deed transfers title from the builder to you. You will also sign any affidavits the title company requires to complete the title insurance process.
Confirm funding. If you are wiring funds, the wire needs to be received by the title company before or during the closing. If you brought a cashier's check, it will be collected at the table. The closing cannot be completed until funds are confirmed.
Funding and recording. Once all documents are signed and funds are confirmed, the title company sends the package to the lender for final funding authorization. After the lender funds the loan, the deed is recorded with the county Register of Deeds. Recording typically happens same day in Southeast Michigan. You own the home when the deed is recorded.
Receive your keys. Once recording is confirmed, you receive your keys, garage door openers, and any access devices. In most new construction transactions in Michigan, this happens at the closing table or within hours of the closing appointment.

You are not there to rush through the paperwork. You are there to confirm that everything you agreed to is reflected accurately in what you are signing.

If Something Does Not Look Right

Stop. Ask. You are not being difficult by asking a closing agent to explain a document or a line item you do not recognize. You have the right to review every document before signing. You also have the right to walk away from the table if there is a discrepancy that cannot be resolved on the spot. It is far easier to delay a closing than to undo a signed agreement.

The Moment You Have Been Waiting For

Getting Your Keys and What Comes With Them

In most Michigan new construction transactions, possession transfers at closing or on recording the same day. When you receive your keys, you should also receive several other items. Make sure you leave the table with all of them.

🔑

House Keys

Typically two sets. Count them before you leave. Ask the builder how many keys were cut and whether a master key was used during construction. Most builders re-key or replace locks after the final walkthrough or at closing.

🚗

Garage Door Openers

You should receive the number of remotes specified in your contract. If a keypad was installed, ask for the code. Some builders reset the garage door code at orientation rather than closing.

💌

Mailbox Keys

Cluster mailboxes are common in new construction communities. Confirm whether your mailbox key is provided at closing or through your local post office after the community is established. Ask your builder's customer care team if you are unsure.

🏠

Community Access Devices

If your community has a gated entrance, pool, or HOA-managed amenities, you should receive access cards or fobs at or shortly after closing. Some communities issue these through the HOA separately; confirm with your builder or HOA management company.

Builder Orientation and Warranty Documentation

The builder orientation is typically scheduled as a separate appointment from the title company closing. During the orientation, a builder representative walks through the home with you and explains how to operate the HVAC system, water heater, electrical panel, appliances, garage door opener, and any smart home features. They will also document the home's current condition, note any items outstanding on the punch list, and explain the warranty process.

After the orientation, you should receive a warranty packet. Under the Michigan New Home Warranty Act (MCL 408.551), new construction buyers have:

One-year workmanship warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of closing.
Two-year systems warranty covering electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems including HVAC, ductwork, and piping.
Ten-year structural warranty covering major structural defects as defined by the Act.

Keep your warranty documents in a safe place and create a digital backup. If you have punch list items that were not completed before closing, confirm in writing exactly which items the builder will complete and the committed timeline. Do not rely on verbal commitments. Put it in an addendum, an email confirmation, or a written builder commitment letter.

Michigan Tip

The Michigan New Home Warranty Act applies to new homes built by builders who have registered with the state. Confirm that your builder is registered and that your warranty is backed by a state-approved insurance program. Ask for the warranty program name at your orientation. If your builder uses a third-party warranty company like 2-10 HBW or Residential Warranty Corporation, you should receive enrollment documentation at or after closing.

First 30 Days

What to Do Immediately After Closing

Closing day creates a rush of relief and excitement. That is completely appropriate. It is also a good time to run through a short list of first-day and first-week tasks before the move-in momentum takes over entirely.

Change the Locks

Even on a new construction home, consider re-keying or replacing the front door lock cylinder. The builder may have used a master key during construction, and subcontractors often have access during the build. This is not a criticism of builders, it is just the reality of how a home is built. Rekeying a lock costs $20 to $50 per cylinder and takes about ten minutes. It is a simple and inexpensive way to start your homeownership with confidence that you control access to your home.

Store Your Closing Documents Safely

Before you start unpacking boxes, put your closing documents somewhere secure and accessible. The most important items are your deed, your title insurance policy, your mortgage note, the Closing Disclosure, your survey, and your homeowner's insurance declarations page. Store originals in a fireproof lockbox or a safe. Create digital scans as a backup. You will need these documents for tax purposes, future refinancing, and any warranty claims.

Register Your Appliances

New construction homes in Southeast Michigan typically include a builder-installed appliance package. Within the first week, register every appliance with the manufacturer. Registration activates the full warranty coverage and ensures you receive recall notices if one is ever issued. Keep the model and serial numbers in your home maintenance file along with the installation dates.

Begin Your Home Maintenance File

Start a physical or digital folder for everything related to the home. Include your warranty documents, appliance registrations, paint colors and trim specifications (which the builder often provides at orientation), utility provider information, HOA contact information, and any receipts from work done in the first months. This file becomes genuinely valuable within one to two years as warranty questions arise and you start making upgrades.

Submit Your First Warranty Request

New construction homes are not perfect. Drywall nail pops, settling cracks, and minor adjustments are normal in the first year. Document them, take photographs, and submit them through your builder's warranty process within the first few weeks. Most builders have an online portal or a dedicated warranty coordinator. Establishing a relationship with that person early makes the process easier when larger issues arise later.

Schedule Outstanding Punch List Items

If you closed with open punch list items documented in writing, follow up with your builder's customer care team in the first week to confirm that your items are scheduled. Keep all written commitments. If items are not addressed by the agreed deadline, escalate through the builder's warranty department before that deadline, not after.

Derica's Note

The builder relationship does not end at closing on a new build. For the next year, your builder's warranty team is your contact for workmanship issues. Being organized and proactive, rather than reactive and frustrated, consistently produces better outcomes. Document everything. Follow the builder's process. And if something significant comes up, do not hesitate to have your REALTOR make a call on your behalf.

Real Buyer Questions

Common Closing Day Questions, Answered Honestly

These are the questions buyers ask in the week before closing. Not the polished FAQs, but the real ones that come up when everything finally feels close.

How long does closing actually take?

Plan for 60 to 90 minutes. If you have two buyers on the loan and both need to sign every document, or if there are questions at the table, it can stretch to two hours. Coming in with questions already answered (review the Closing Disclosure in advance) is the most reliable way to keep things moving.

Can closing be delayed?

Yes, and it happens. Delays can come from the builder side (unfinished items, CO not yet issued, builder documents not signed), the lender side (outstanding loan conditions, appraisal questions, last-minute credit check issues), or the title side (title search problems, wire delays). Your REALTOR should be in contact with all parties the week before closing to identify any issues before the day arrives. If a delay occurs, get a new confirmed closing date in writing immediately.

What if the numbers on the documents do not match what I expected?

Stop and ask. The closing agent is there to explain every document. If a number does not match your Closing Disclosure, ask for an explanation before you sign. Some differences are legitimate adjustments. Others are errors. You have the right to understand every line before signing.

When can I actually move in?

In most Michigan new construction transactions, possession transfers at closing once the deed is recorded. Most buyers can begin moving in the same day. Some builder contracts specify possession on recording, which usually happens within a few hours. Confirm the exact possession language in your purchase agreement before closing day.

What if construction is not completely finished?

If the home is not substantially complete, you have the right to delay closing until it is. If you choose to close with outstanding items, protect yourself in writing. A holdback escrow, where a portion of the builder's proceeds is held by the title company until items are complete, is a common and reasonable protective measure. Get the specific items and deadlines in writing, signed by the builder, before you sign closing documents. Your REALTOR should help you navigate this negotiation.

What happens after my lender funds the loan?

The title company sends the signed documents to your lender for review and funding authorization. Once the lender confirms that documents are in order and funds are disbursed, the title company records the deed at the county Register of Deeds. After recording, the home is officially yours. In Southeast Michigan, same-day recording is standard for most transactions.

Southeast Michigan Specifics

Michigan Tips Every New Construction Buyer Should Know

Michigan has specific rules and common practices around new home closings that differ from other states. These are the ones that come up most often for buyers across Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties.

The Certificate of Occupancy Must Be Issued Before Closing

Michigan municipalities issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) after the home passes the final building code inspection. The builder cannot deliver possession to you, and your lender will not fund the loan, until the CO is issued. If your builder is pushing you to close and the CO has not been issued, do not close. This is a legal requirement, not a formality. For a full explanation, see our Certificate of Occupancy Overview for Michigan buyers.

Property Taxes May Not Be Fully Set in the First Year

Michigan assesses new construction based on the completed value of the home. In the first year or two, your tax assessment may be based on land value only, then adjusted upward once the home is entered into the county's assessment rolls. This means your first tax bill may be lower than expected, followed by a significant increase. Your lender uses estimated taxes to calculate your escrow payment. Budget for an escrow adjustment in the first one to two years after closing.

Title Companies Often Handle HOA Setup

If your new construction community has an HOA, the title company will collect pro-rated HOA dues at closing. The HOA may still be in the builder's control during the initial development period. Your rights as a new homeowner within the HOA are governed by the Condominium Act (MCL 559.101) or the Nonprofit Corporation Act depending on your community's structure. Review your HOA documents before closing and ask your REALTOR or a real estate attorney if you have questions about the governing documents.

Michigan Transfer Taxes

Michigan charges a state transfer tax of $3.75 per $500 of the sale price, and most counties charge an additional county transfer tax. On a new construction purchase, the builder typically pays the transfer tax as the seller. Confirm this in your purchase agreement. It should be reflected accurately on your Closing Disclosure under seller-paid items.

Record Your Deed Promptly

Your title company will record the deed with the county Register of Deeds after closing. In Michigan, recording is public notice that you own the property and it protects your ownership against future claims. Your title company manages this automatically. After recording, you can request a copy of your recorded deed from the county Register of Deeds office if you want it for your records. In Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties, you can also access recorded documents online through the respective county systems.

Michigan New Home Warranty Act

MCL 408.551 creates specific warranty obligations for builders of new residential homes in Michigan. Builders must register with the state and carry warranty insurance through an approved provider. If your builder has not mentioned the warranty act by name during your transaction, ask specifically about it at your builder orientation. You are entitled to know exactly which warranty provider is backing your home.

Summary

Key Takeaways for Closing Day

Review your Closing Disclosure when it arrives, at least three business days before closing. Compare it to your Loan Estimate and ask about any differences before the day of.
Verify wire instructions by phone before transferring any funds. Call the title company directly using a number from their official website, not from an email.
Confirm your clear to close with your loan officer two to three business days before closing.
Bring a government-issued photo ID and your certified funds or wire confirmation to the table.
The closing process takes 60 to 90 minutes at the title company. You will sign mortgage documents, deed documents, and settlement paperwork. You do not have to rush.
Possession in Michigan typically transfers at closing or same-day recording. You can usually begin moving in the same day.
The builder orientation is a separate appointment. It covers systems operation, punch list documentation, and warranty enrollment.
The Michigan New Home Warranty Act gives you a one-year workmanship warranty, a two-year systems warranty, and a ten-year structural warranty.
After closing, rekey your locks, store your documents safely, register your appliances, and create a home maintenance file before anything else.
If punch list items remain, get specific items and deadlines in writing, signed by the builder, before you sign closing documents.

Ready to walk through the full Academy?

This guide is part of the Hearts to Homes New Construction Guide, a complete series from the first model home visit through closing day and your first year as a new construction homeowner.

View Full New Construction Guide Talk to Derica

Frequently Asked Questions

New Construction Closing Day Questions Answered

How long does a new construction closing take?

Most new construction closings take between 60 and 90 minutes at the title company. If there are questions about the documents or if the lender needs to wire funds after the signing, it can run a little longer. Closings with multiple buyers who both need to review and sign every document take more time than single-buyer transactions. Arrive unhurried, bring your ID and any required documents, and plan for up to two hours so you are not watching the clock.

What is the Closing Disclosure and when will I receive it?

The Closing Disclosure is the standardized five-page document your lender is required to provide at least three business days before closing. It shows your final loan terms, interest rate, monthly payment, all closing costs broken down by line item, and the total cash you will need to bring. This three-day waiting period is a federal requirement. Use those three days to read it carefully, compare it to your initial Loan Estimate, and flag any numbers that do not match what you expected.

What if the numbers on the Closing Disclosure do not match what I expected?

Contact your lender immediately and ask for an explanation of every line that is different from your Loan Estimate. Some changes are permitted under federal rules. Others, including changes to the interest rate on a fixed loan and origination charges your lender quoted, are not permitted. If the lender made an error or changed a fee without proper notice, they are required to correct it. Do not sign until you understand every line. Your REALTOR and the title agent at closing can also help you identify discrepancies.

Can closing be delayed on a new construction home?

Yes, and it happens more often on new construction than resale. Delays can come from the builder side (unfinished punch list items, a Certificate of Occupancy not yet issued, final inspections not cleared), the lender side (outstanding loan conditions, appraisal issues, last-minute financial changes), or the title side (title search issues or wire problems). Your REALTOR should be in contact with all parties in the week before closing to identify and resolve issues before you arrive at the table.

When can I actually move into my new construction home?

In most new construction transactions in Southeast Michigan, possession transfers at closing or within hours of closing once the deed is recorded. Some builder contracts specify possession on recording, meaning you technically own the home when the deed is recorded at the county Register of Deeds, which usually happens same day. Read your specific contract. In practice, most buyers receive their keys at the closing table or within the same business day and can begin moving in immediately.

Should I wire money or bring a cashier's check to closing?

Your title company will tell you which is required. Most closing agents in Michigan prefer or require a wire transfer for amounts above a certain threshold. Before wiring any money, call the title company directly at a number you find independently from their official website to verbally confirm the routing number and account number. Wire fraud targeting real estate transactions is a known risk. Do not rely on email-only confirmation, even if the message looks legitimate and comes from an address you recognize.

What if my punch list items are not finished at closing?

If punch list items remain at closing, you have options: close and accept a written builder commitment documenting which items will be completed and by when, request a monetary escrow holdback where a portion of proceeds is held by the title company until items are done, or decline to close until they are resolved. Never close on a verbal promise with no documentation. Get every outstanding item and every completion deadline in writing, signed by the builder, before you sign. See our Final Walkthrough Guide for more on punch list strategy.

Who should be at the closing table?

The closing agent or title officer from the title company will run the meeting. Your REALTOR should be there to advocate for you and answer any last-minute questions. All buyers on the loan need to be present with valid photo ID. Your lender may attend in person or participate remotely. The builder's sales rep does not typically attend the title company closing. If one buyer cannot attend, a power of attorney may be available but needs to be arranged in advance with both the title company and your lender.

What is the builder orientation and does it happen on closing day?

The builder orientation is a separate appointment from the title company closing. The builder typically schedules it a day or two before closing, or sometimes the morning of closing day. During the orientation, a builder representative walks you through the home, demonstrates how systems operate, documents any outstanding items, and begins the formal warranty process. This is different from the final punch list walkthrough, though some builders combine them. Confirm the timing with your builder's customer care team before closing week arrives.

What should I do with utilities before closing?

Schedule utility transfers for your closing date or the day before, so service is active when you take possession. For new construction in Southeast Michigan, this typically includes electricity through DTE Energy or Consumers Energy, natural gas, water through your municipality, and internet service. Some communities have HOA-managed services or specific provider agreements. Ask your builder's customer care rep if there are required providers or account procedures specific to your community. Do not wait until the week of closing to start this process.

Before You Go

Every home purchase is unique, and every builder, community, purchase agreement, lender, municipality, and title company may have different policies, timelines, requirements, and procedures.

The information in this guide is provided for educational purposes to help you better understand the new construction process and ask informed questions along the way. It is not intended to replace the guidance of your REALTOR®, builder, lender, inspector, attorney, title company, or other professionals involved in your transaction.

Builder policies regarding third-party inspections, construction access, walkthroughs, warranties, completion standards, timelines, and closing procedures can vary. Always review your builder’s specific requirements and consult with the appropriate professionals regarding your individual situation.

If you’re buying a new construction home in Southeast Michigan, we’re always happy to answer your questions and help you understand what applies to your specific home, builder, and community.

New Construction in Southeast Michigan

Closing Day Is Almost Here. Let’s Make Sure You Are Ready.

You have done the work. The inspections, the financing, the punch list, the paperwork. We are here to make the final steps as smooth and confident as everything that came before them.

Closing day is the moment months of planning become a home. We want you to walk out of that title company knowing exactly what you signed and exactly what comes next.

Talk to Derica Find Your Fit Full NC Guide

Derica Wade

Associate Broker, Real Estate One · Hearts to Homes Team

(734) 323-4486 · derica@heartstohomesmi.com · Plymouth, Michigan