Step 30: Recordation (Key Day) 

Recordation is sometimes been referred to as “Key Day”. At 8:01am that morning your signed deed will be recorded at the Bureau of Conveyances and the property will officially be yours. 

Congratulations!

Prior to the day of recordation your realtor will contact the listing agent to confirm how they will obtain the keys to the property including any mail keys, entry fobs, and garage remotes. They will also confirm a good time and place to deliver the keys to you. Along with keys the seller may have left any appliance manuals, brochures, or warranties that they had. 

Prior to your loan signing our team will have sent to you a home buyer checklist. This checklist will include items that may apply to your transaction and should plan accordingly for the days leading up to recordation as well as the day of recordation. 

Some items that you may need to address are: 

• Rekey doors 
• File for your property home exemption 
• Fill out change of address form with the Post Office
• Contact any applicable utility companies (Electricity, Gas, Sewer, etc.) 
• Vehicle Registration 
• Update Address (Bank accounts, credit cards, employer, doctors, dentists) 
• Drivers License, State IDs, etc. 

As mentioned, the date of recordation is a moving target. If you plan to move in upon recordation it is best to check if there will be any restrictions. If you are planning to purchase a condo you may want to check with the building to see when you can use or lock down the elevator or if there are special times for owners or tenants to move in. 

If you need any assistance after getting your keys don’t hesitate to contact us. Your realtor should be there even after your transaction ends. 

Previous, Step 29: Signing, Funding, Recording

Bonus Step 31: After Recordation: Home Value, Vendors, Refinance & More

Steps to Buying a Home

HAWAII STARTS HERE | JOE CASTANEDA (R)

Joe is a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty. He majored in finance and has experience as a former mortgage loan originator. He has helped buyers both with new project loans and going through the process of applying and obtaining units in new projects. He uses his finance, mortgage, and real estate knowledge to help home buyers find the right properties to fit their needs. Contact Joe by phone or email at (808) 351-8394 or JoeC@BetterHawaii.com.