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When do I officially own my home?

We are under contract in a house and will close in 60ish days. We are moving across country and I want to start sending my mail to the new house but the current owners are still there are told us that we can't. I'm not sure what they will do with it if we do but we have no where else to send it as we are sort of couch surfing for the next few months. Can we force them to allow us to send our mail there? What are our rights since we are under contract?
Asked By Zephyr B | Boise, ID | 28 views | Tips Advice | Updated 4 hours ago
Answers (7)
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Novice
9 Answers
Katie K Portenga

Portenga Properties at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

(71)

Perhaps you can set up a temporary PO Box and have the mail directed there?
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Novice
8 Answers
Phong Tran

Real Broker

(4)

No, you can’t force the sellers to accept your mail before closing because they still legally own and occupy the home, so you don’t have possession rights yet. They’re not obligated to hold or manage anything delivered there, and it could be returned or lost. Your best bet is to use a temporary solution like a PO Box or mail forwarding through the United States Postal Service, or have it sent to a trusted friend or family member until you officially take ownership. Every state operates a bit differently though, so check with your agent on what your specific options are.

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Novice
7 Answers
Kristine Livadas

Compass

(30)

Until you officially close, you do not own the home. Some sellers won't mind you adding your new address but you can't force them, so for the most part, it is not recommended. I would ask and if you receive a NO, then perhaps considering calling the local post office and renting a PO box for the short term. You can pick everything up once you get to town.
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Novice
4 Answers
Jillian Hogan

Corcoran McEnearney

(21)

We are located in Virginia and this answer could change based on jurisdiction. A purchaser owns the home as soon as all parties have signed the documents at closing. So closing date would be the earliest date that you have rights to the property. Some jurisdictions can mandate that the ownership doesn't transfer until the new Deed is recorded at the Courthouse. That said, until closing is completed, you do not have any ownership of the home.
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Novice
4 Answers
KARINA FURLIN

Keller Williams Realty

(21)

The moment you sign the closing documents and funding is in escrow to be diburse to seller
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Novice
3 Answers
Alexandru Borovic

Compass

(7)

very common during this stage.

You don’t officially own the home until closing is completed and the deed is recorded. Being under contract gives you rights to purchase, but not possession or control yet.

Regarding mail - you can’t force the current owners to accept or manage your mail. Until you close, it’s still legally their property. Best move here:
• Set up USPS forwarding temporarily
• Use a trusted address (family/friend) for now
• Update everything once you officially close
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Novice
2 Answers
Tory Atkins

Herron Real Estate

(9)

I would recommend opening a PO box nearby for the time being then you can forward mail after closing. You don't "own" the home until closing once all money is received and it is funded.

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