How is the adjustment for a settlement statement made?

The adjustment for a settlement statement is made by accounting for both prepaid and accrued items. This process ensures that all financial aspects of a real estate transaction are accurately represented in the final settlement statement, often referred to as the closing statement. Prepaid items are expenses that the seller has already paid for in advance, while accrued items are those expenses that have been incurred but not yet paid at the time of closing.

For example, if the seller has prepaid property taxes, these amounts need to be adjusted so that the buyer is only responsible for their respective share from the closing date forward. Conversely, any expenses like utility bills that have accrued up to the closing date but remain unpaid are accounted for so that the seller bears responsibility for those costs.

This method ensures that both parties receive a fair allocation of costs associated with the property, making it an essential step in the closing process. In contrast, assessing property value changes, altering the loan interest rate, or discussing these matters in closing meetings do not directly relate to how adjustments on a settlement statement are formally made.