Do You Bank Online? You May Want to Read This!

If you do most of your banking online, or with a financial institution that doesn't have a physical location in your state, chances are it hasn't really bothered you. I've been banking online since 2004 and since I hardly ever need to write a check or talk to my bank, I just get that higher interest rate for savings and no-fee checking that I love.

When you're buying a home, though, you're going to need certified funds -- and some lenders will require that the funds come from your own bank account to make sure you're using your money and not a gift. Certified funds usually means a cashier's check...which is usually requested in person at a bank branch...which you don't have. And you don't usually know how much you need to bring to closing until the last minute!**

So here's a Pro Tip: make sure your financial institution can perform wire transfers, which is another commonly accepted form of certified funds. Learn what the rules are for different amounts (do they need a written request for transfers over $5,000?), what the fees are, what type of documentation they provide as a record of your request, and whether they can guarantee the deposit will be made within a few business hours (or better yet, immediately!). Do it before you even sign an offer on a home, and you won't have to worry about it when it comes time to close.

** This August, new regulations will be implemented requiring all buyers using a lender to purchase property to receive their closing documents at least 3 days prior to closing, which hardly ever happens right now. But more on that later!