It's not too late to close on that Five Towns Home before the school year starts...

Hoping to move in time for your kids to start the school year in their new district? Try these tips for closing quickly:

Communicate Call the district - you may have more time than you think. Some school districts let you enroll your child with a contract, so long as you provide a deed by a certain time. Also, make sure everyone - your broker, lender and attorney and the seller's team - knows you want your child to start the year in the new school.

Show the money Get prequalified for your loan, and have your down payment funds readily available. A cash buyer is diamond, or one who already applied for the mortgage and has their commitment. That will make a deal go very quickly

Don't trip on the red tape Make the inspection and resolving any issues a priority. Missing paperwork, such as certificates of occupancy, can delay the lender's process.

Get creative If the sellers can't vacate in time, the parties may close before the sellers' moving date so the deed can be shown to the school. The seller then stays in for an agreed-upon time under a post-closing possession agreement, and the buyer transports the kid to school. For the opposite problem - the home is vacant, but the closing date is after the first day of school - you may be able to negotiate to move in before you close.

By working closely and efficiently - there is a good chance that you can still be in for the new school year.