There's always one more thing to learn about closing on a house.
If you plan to buya home be sure you do not have an expired driver's license. It is asked for at closing and a copy is made. I had always thought it was done because of the Patriot Act. Read this crazy story below...
Our closer said, "I've never seen this happen in FORTY years!!"
Well, it happened to us today! My buyers (who have the worst lender known to man...but that's for another post) finished signing all the paperwork on their beautiful, new home. They enjoyed chatting with the seller while the closer went to make copies of the driver's licenses.
Then, the closer came back. "Your license expired July 4," she said to one of my clients. My client had not thought about it much. She and her husband moved here from out of state early this month, have been staying with relatives, and closing was set for July 23. They would get new licenses then. "The underwriter will NOT ALLOW THIS FILE TO FUND until you get your license."
OK, one license coming up. I let my buyers follow me to the local licensing agency. Thankfully, it is not too far away from the title company. "Have you had your cars registered for the state of Texas?" asked the Department of Public Safety lady.
"No, " my client answered.
"You have to do that before we can issue you a license." And since her license is expired, my buyer will have to take a written exam and driving test as well. After passing the written test, she can schedule a drivers test, but that could take up to a week to get an appointment.
LONG story short, my client has scheduled a flight back to her home state to get her license renewed. She will then send a fax of her new license to the title company. I cannot believe she cannot do this long distance, but apparently once you turn 65, there is a vision screening required to renew the license. This was her lucky year.
I am just sick that my clients are having to go through this horrific experience. Why didn't the lender, underwriter...let them know this would be a problem over a week ago when the file went to underwriting??
It will all work out in the end. It always does. And I can't ever say my job is boring!! ;)
SO, FYI--you just might want to check your license PRIOR to closing!!!
SONJA PATTERSON with RE/MAX REALTY CENTER 13611 Skinner Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 281.213.6200 or 713.303.9463
Well another question to be added to my check list... make sure my clients all have valid DLs or state IDs prior to closing. :)
But you know IDs are only for confirming a person's identity and I have had an attorney here in GA accept one a few days expired... of course different states, different procedures.
There must be some alternative ID, what if a person was handicapped or visually impaired and did not drive. Then what?
Lizette - I would assume everyone would have a current license, but that's obviously not always the case. Another thing to add to the list of what buyer's need to bring to closing.
This happened this year to one of my clients as well. It took us more than a week to get it taken care of and funded.
I have never heard of this before, and makes sense that you would need a valid drivers Licenses, but This is one that is not on our check list Until today,,, We will be adding it! Thanks for the Post!!!