Why is there a Standard Poodle at my closing?

Buying real estate is exciting, but it can also be stressful! Portia may attend your closing to provide free stress therapy and help you celebrate your new property. However, if you are uncomfortable with a dog being present, please let Melissa know; your comfort is the most important thing on your closing day!

Can I apply for a homestead exemption for my new property?

You can apply for a homestead exemption with the tax assessor after one year of living in the house as your primary residence. Melissa will email you in one year to remind you.

What should I know about paying property tax on my new property?

You should plan to calendar the due date for the second half of your property tax bill (the first half will be paid at closing). If applicable, Melissa will email you one month in advance of the due date to remind you.

Why do I need to confirm wire instructions by phone?

Unfortunately, wire fraud is rampant and lucrative, and fraudsters are creative and talented. To protect clients, Melissa requires confirmation of wire information in a personal phone call before any wire transfer is initiated. She sends all wire information by encrypted email and NEVER changes wire information.

Do I need to bring any funds to the closing?

If you have a lender, the final amount needed at closing will come from the lender at least three days before the closing.

Funds must be in the form of a bank-issued check payable to “Law Office of Melissa J. Reynolds,” or may be wired to the office. Please contact Melissa directly by phone for wire instructions.

I can’t attend the closing in person. What do I need to do?

If not attending the closing, you need to execute a power of attorney that will allow a local attorney to sign on your behalf. Alternatively, Melissa can ship documents to you to be signed and notarized at a place of your choice, or can arrange for a notary to visit your home or office.

What do I need to bring to my closing?

Be sure to bring photo identification such as a driver’s license to your closing.

What do I need to do before my closing?

There are a number of things you should do in advance of your closing:

  • Have your realtor send Melissa the Purchase & Sale Agreement (P&S)
  • Have your lender send Melissa the title request
  • Check with the local Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) to confirm that your intended use of the property, if not purely residential, is permitted
  • Have homeowner’s insurance ready for the date of closing
  • Contact Central Maine Power (CMP) to set up a new account
  • Contact Maine Water to set up a new account if applicable
  • Set up fuel delivery
  • Make sure any contingencies in the P&S have been completed to your satisfaction
  • Review the proposed deed and bank documents for the correct spelling of your name