Moving from Abroad to Springfield NJ: Smooth Closing Guide

Buying a home in a new country is exciting, but closing from abroad can feel complex. If you are moving to Springfield in Union County, you want clear steps, secure money transfers, and a smooth handoff of keys. You also want your first week to be simple, with utilities and services ready when you arrive. This guide walks you from accepted offer to keys in hand, then covers essential set‑ups for your first week in Springfield.

Let’s dive in.

Your path from offer to keys

Once your offer is accepted, most transactions follow a predictable flow. You move through inspections and any contingency removals over one to three weeks. If you are financing, your lender works through underwriting and must give you a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. You will coordinate with the title company for wiring instructions, final signatures, and deed recording. Remote buyers should build in extra time for notarizations, international wires, and possible power of attorney arrangements.

Your ID and tax basics

At closing, you will need a valid, government‑issued photo ID. A passport is standard for international buyers. Some title companies or lenders may ask for a secondary ID or a notarized affidavit. If you will file U.S. tax forms, you may need an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Review the IRS guidance on ITINs and ask your lender or tax advisor when an ITIN is required. You should also gather several months of bank statements and any documents that show the lawful source of your funds, since title companies and lenders must verify this as part of anti‑money‑laundering checks.

• Learn about the Closing Disclosure timeline from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: what the Closing Disclosure is and when you receive it.
• Review IRS guidance on an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Secure your international wire

Most buyers send closing funds by bank wire in U.S. dollars to the title company’s trust account. Start early. A SWIFT transfer can take one to five business days, and banks may charge sending or intermediary fees. Confirm the exact beneficiary name, account number, routing details, and any intermediary bank information from the title company’s wiring sheet.

• Always verify wiring instructions by phone using a number you obtain independently. Do not rely only on emailed instructions.
• Ask your title officer how they confirm receipt and what time of day funds must arrive.
• Consider exchange rate risk and fees. If helpful, discuss options with your bank or a specialist.

Real estate wire fraud is a known risk. Review the FBI’s guidance and the FTC’s consumer tips before you send any funds.

• FBI/IC3: consumer alerts and reporting
• FTC: how to avoid real estate wire fraud

Signing from abroad

Remote closing options depend on state law, your lender, and your title company’s policies:

• Remote online notarization may or may not be accepted. Confirm early with your title company and lender. For general background, see the National Notary Association’s overview of remote online notarization.
• If RON is not accepted, a common alternative is to use a narrowly tailored power of attorney that authorizes closing and related acts. If you sign a POA outside the United States, the title company may require notarization, an apostille or consular legalization, and a certified English translation. Confirm formatting and acceptance with your title company well in advance.
• Greek nationals can contact the Consulate General of Greece in New York for document services, legalization, and translation guidance.

Tip: Share draft POA language with the title company for pre‑approval, then schedule notarization and apostille steps early to avoid last‑minute delays.

Closing day and key exchange in Union County

For most mortgages, your lender must deliver the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before consummation. Use that window to review fees, cash to close, and title insurance details with your agent or attorney. On closing day, the title company coordinates final signatures and funding. After funding, the deed is recorded with the Union County Clerk, which typically marks the official transfer of ownership. Ask how and when keys will be released, since some sellers provide keys at signing while others wait until recording is confirmed.

• Union County: recording information and resources

First‑week essentials in Springfield

Every municipality and service territory is a bit different, so confirm providers with the seller, listing agent, or the township website. Here is a simple checklist to start your week one setup.

Electric and natural gas

In much of Union County, PSE&G is the electric and gas utility. Service areas vary, so confirm the provider for your address. To open a new account, be ready to provide your name, service address, move‑in date, photo ID, and possibly an ITIN. If you do not have a U.S. credit history, a deposit may be required. If gas service was disconnected, schedule any required safety check.

• PSE&G new customer guidance: start or transfer service, documents, and timing

Water and sewer

Water and sewer may be provided by the township or by an investor‑owned utility such as New Jersey American Water. Account setup usually requires your service address, ID, and proof of ownership. Sewer and trash billing can appear on the township tax bill or as a separate utility. Ask the seller or check the municipal website to confirm the correct provider and how billing works for your address.

Internet and TV

Major ISPs in Union County include Verizon Fios and Xfinity, though availability is address‑specific. Installation appointments can book several days out. If you need immediate connectivity, consider a mobile hotspot as a backup. For condos or buildings with bulk service, confirm the required provider and any building wiring details before scheduling.

Trash and recycling

Pickup schedules, container rules, and bulk item procedures vary by township. Check Springfield Township’s official website for your pickup day, recycling rules, and any fees. When in doubt, ask your listing agent to send the most recent municipal guidance before closing.

Mail forwarding and address updates

Submit a USPS Change of Address and plan the start date to match your closing or move‑in. Update your address with the municipal tax collector and any lender or escrow servicer so property tax bills and notices reach you.

• USPS: change of address and mail forwarding

Insurance, HOA, and vehicles

Secure homeowner’s insurance with a policy effective on your closing date. If the property is in a condo or HOA, request the owner registration form, amenity rules, and fee schedule. If you will register a vehicle in New Jersey, review the state timeline and documentation required.

• New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: registration requirements

Language and translation support

If you prefer Greek language support, ask early. Your agent, attorney, or title company can often arrange bilingual assistance or a professional interpreter for key calls and the closing appointment. Any non‑English legal or financial document may require a certified English translation. Greek nationals can also contact the Consulate General of Greece in New York for guidance on apostilles, translations, and document legalization.

Practical timeline checklist

Use this simple plan to keep your closing on track.

4–8+ weeks before closing

• Confirm your title company and lender, and ask whether they accept RON, a foreign notary with apostille, or a POA.
• Begin assembling source‑of‑funds documentation and bank statements.
• If you need a POA or apostille, contact the consulate and schedule notarization steps.

2–3 weeks before closing

• Start the international wire process with your bank and confirm currency conversion details.
• Obtain a homeowner’s insurance quote and issue a binder with an effective date on closing.
• Confirm utility providers for the property and schedule activation or transfers.

3 business days before closing

• Review the Closing Disclosure carefully and confirm your cash to close.
• Reconfirm wiring instructions by phone with the title company.

Day of closing

• Execute your remote signing plan or ensure your POA is in place and accepted.
• Send any final funds and confirm receipt with your title officer.
• Ask when the deed will be recorded and how keys will be handed off.

First week after closing

• Request confirmation of recording and obtain a copy of the recorded deed.
• Set up or confirm activation of electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet, and trash services.
• Submit USPS mail forwarding and update your address with tax offices and your lender or servicer.

Documents to prepare in advance

• Valid passport and a secondary ID if available
• Bank statements and proof of funds for down payment and closing costs
• Bank contact information and SWIFT/BIC details
• ITIN, if required for tax reporting
• POA documents, notarized and apostilled if executed abroad, with title company pre‑approval
• Homeowner’s insurance binder effective on closing date
• Contact list for your title officer, agent, lender, attorney, utilities, post office, municipal tax collector, and nearest Greek consulate
• Certified English translations for any non‑English documents

Avoid these common pitfalls

• Not verifying wire instructions by phone, which exposes you to fraud
• Waiting until the last minute to send an international wire
• Assuming a foreign notary or POA will be accepted without title company pre‑approval
• Forgetting to bind homeowner’s insurance before closing
• Assuming utilities are included without confirming local billing practices

We are here to help

Closing from abroad takes planning, but with clear steps and the right partners, it can be smooth. If you want bilingual guidance, local insights in Springfield, and hands‑on coordination for your first week’s setup, we are ready to help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with Unknown Company to get a personalized plan for your move.

FAQs

Can a non‑U.S. resident buy a home in New Jersey?

• Yes, non‑U.S. residents can purchase property; speak with a lender or tax advisor about whether you need an ITIN and how tax reporting applies to your situation.

How do I safely wire funds from abroad for closing?

• Use bank wires to the title company’s trust account, start early, and verify wiring instructions by phone using known contact info; review FBI and FTC guidance on wire fraud.

Can I sign closing documents remotely if I am overseas?

• Possibly; acceptance of remote online notarization or foreign notarization varies by lender and title company, and a properly prepared POA is a common alternative.

When are keys released after closing in Union County?

• Keys are typically released at or after deed recording with the county, so ask your title company and agent how key handoff will be coordinated for your transaction.

How soon can I start utilities in Springfield?

• Many utilities can start service on the same day or within a few business days; be ready with ID, your move‑in date, and proof of ownership, and confirm providers for your address.