After everything it takes to find the home you want, the last thing you need is to run into problems at closing. By the time you're ready to close, you and your Realtor have spent weeks scheduling loads of appointments and marking off dozens of tasks. One small hiccup can delay your closing or even jeopardize the whole deal.

Your best defense against surprises at closing is your Realtor. A full-time, full-service Realtor has the experience to prepare you for what to expect and the foresight to head off potential problems so your closing happens on time. Here are some other things you can do to make sure closing day goes smoothly:

Don't make big changes in your finances

Once the mortgage process begins, your finances will be under a microscope for a while. You'll want your credit history to be as stable as possible and your credit score to remain steady. This isn't the time to buy a new car or get another credit card. Even if you've been approved for your mortgage, your lender could run a new credit report at any time. Remember, even applying for a new line of credit could have a negative effect on your credit score, whether you open an account or not. Best rule of thumb, unless the lender finds something that has to be addressed (for example, a judgment that needs to be satisfied), just leave your accounts alone until after closing.

This applies to your cash accounts, too. Your lender wants to see that you have regular, reliable cash flow. Large fluctuations in your balances could be cause for concern. Make sure your lender knows where your down payment is coming from so that any movement of funds around the time of closing isn't called into question.

Review your closing disclosure

Your lender is required to provide you with a closing disclosure three business days before the date of your closing. The disclosure spells out all the costs associated with your home purchase, including your loan amount, interest rate, estimated monthly payment and cash required to close. Review the closing disclosure carefully and ask questions right away if anything is not as you expected. [The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has an interactive sample closing disclosure on its website with explanations of each line item and a list of things you should check.]

Confirm that your closing funds are in place

When you get your closing disclosure, make a note of the "cash to close" amount. That's the money that's due from you on closing day. You'll likely need a certified or cashier's check to pay your costs and down payment. Be sure you've moved those funds into the correct account in plenty of time to request the check. If you make your down payment with a wire transfer, you'll need confirmation at closing that the funds have been received on the other end.

Gather your documents

Pull together all the related paperwork you've received in the weeks leading up to closing, including your sales contract. You never know when you'll want to double-check something at the closing table. In addition, make sure you bring:

• Photo ID: You'll have to show identification at closing. A state-issued ID or passport will work.

• Proof of insurance: Your lender will require you to carry homeowner's insurance and to prove that it's in effect on the day you close. If your lender requires flood insurance or any other sort of coverage, bring proof of that, too.

Give yourself plenty of time

There's a lot to take in at closing, and feeling rushed can add to the stress. Your closing could take as little as half an hour, but try to schedule it on a day that you can block out at least a couple of hours for it. Do that, and you'll give yourself the time to look at everything carefully, ask questions if you have them and ride out unexpected delays.

Have other questions about making your closing day a great day? Call me anytime at (540) 793-0442 or email me at rpayne@mkbrealtors.com. Take a look at my listings here and like my page on Facebook.