Kris, it's nice of you to keep a copy for them in case theirs is lost. Our escrow officers here in Texas (at least the title company I use) do this paperwork for them.

One of the things I do for my clients is keep a copy of their HUD and mail it to them around the middle of December so they can have it for their taxes.

Kris, out here in Ann Arbor the Title companies turn them in for us. But, in Livingston County the new buyers have to turn them in. I've been spoiled. But, the new buyers are suppose to call and make sure it got there as they are ultimately responsible.

I also do as Linda and we mail out each HUD to both parties in January and once again thank them for their business. We make the copies right after closing so it is not hard to do and address the envelope. In January viola it is done.

Kris--Good information for Michigan buyers!! It is different in MN. The title transfer is recorded by the closer but the buyers must homestead the property by December 31. If they do not go to the county courthouse in person with the document they will pay non-homestead taxes that will cost hundreds more. I guess the lesson here is...Don't forget your paperwork no matter what state you close in!!

Kris: We don't do this in NC. The attorney handles it. But..this is a great added touch to your buyers. :-)

Hi Kris, in Grand Rapids, the title companies usually do this as well.  It's interesting to see how things are handled in different parts of the state.

Kris, Good information. After a closing, I take the buyers to the city or township to get this registered. I already ran across a relative that was paying non-homestead taxes since 1999 because they didn't file this form.

Hi Kris, nice idea to keep a copy....it also helps you keep in touch...and build a great data base.  Nice post.

Linda:  That is a great idea about the HUD.  I always find it interesting to hear what practices are common in other areas of the country.  Thanks for letting me know Linda.

Missy:  The title companies years ago did that for clients, they haven't in the past 3-4 years.  In fact, there is now a form that buyers sign..a "CYA" form stating that the closing officer did advise them to turn those forms in. I hadn't thought about the HUD being used in that way before until you and Linda mentioned it.  Great idea!   You ladies are fabulous with sharing your wealth of marketing and knowledge with me.

Teri:  Our "cutoff" for the homestead exemption is May 1st.  This way, there is time for the summer tax bill to be accurate as to homestead properties for a new buyer.   Again, I enjoy hearing what is customary in other areas of the country, thanks so much.

Elizabeth:   Again, it's interesting to hear the common practice in other areas.  I always want to make sure my clients have turned those in.  The consequences if they don't are so costly!

Lola:  The title companies here used to do that years ago but stopped.  I think they had too many instances of the clerks at the assessors office not recording things properly and more than one homestead exemption was missed.  Now they don't take on the responsibility.

Gary Smith:  You do go above and beyond!   That's a great idea to drive them there directly afterwards. I've seen that also Gary (the unfortunate person paying for years as non-homestead and not understanding).  It's sad when that happens.  

Gary:   We save their files anyway and on more than one occasion I've had someone call and ask for a copy.  It's helpful to them if they've misplaced it.   Thanks Gary.