No home purchase is the same, but here are some common scenarios you may run into along your home buying journey.
The Dodd-Frank Act which was enacted several years ago has altered this slightly. Lenders are now required to get you something call a "Closing Statement" at least 3 days prior to the actual closing so you have time to review the costs associated with your purchase and agree with the numbers you will be charged. However, not ALL charges are subject to this law. If you are buying new construction, there may be upgrades you asked for. The additional money for those upgrades are often paid for at the closing table out of pocket. Sometimes the builder doesn't have those final numbers until the day of closing.
In a perfect world the closing date identified on the purchase agreement you sign with the seller will turn out to be the actual closing date. And, the timeframe used in the purchase agreement for the inspections that must be performed will not be extended. However, it is not uncommon for dates to change due to many variables that are often outside the control of both the buyer and seller. Amending a contract is common as long as both the buyer and seller are agree to it. At the end of the day, it is important to work together to get the transaction closed and you in your new home.
The Dodd-Frank Act mentioned earlier puts many demands on lenders today to ensure the loan they are agreeing to give you is a good loan based on your qualifications to obtain it. There are penalties the lenders must pay if you default on your loan within a certain period of time after you close on your home. So, lenders take every precaution to verify the financial information you are giving them. And, sometimes that may mean getting documentation (or updated documentations) for things even up to the day of closing.
When you have finally signed the purchase agreement with the seller and you are now "committed" to move forward with the purchase, ALL buyers have a period of time when they experience something known as "buyer's remorse". You can suddenly think of a thousand reasons why you should NOT have signed the contract. This is a normal psychological reaction whenever humans make big decisions. You will be OK. The decision you made is a VERY GOOD decision.
Buying a home can be a very exciting time. However, rules and regulations regarding purchasing a home change almost daily. As easy as it looks from the outside to purchase a home, believe me, it is a very complicated orchestration of activities that must take place. There is never a guarantee that you will buy a home until the day you sign all the closing papers where ownership is transferred from the seller to you. Wait until AFTER you have closed to make the announcement! (And let your friends and family know what a great job I did for you!)
In the lending world information that has been verified has an "expiration" date, meaning that it must be re-verified to ensure the lender has the most "current" financial information about you. So, if you are keen to how often outside companies run a credit check, don't be surprised if this happens more than once during the home buying process.