How to Avoid a Stressful Closing

By the time closing day arrives, you’ve probably pictured the moment more than once—the papers signed, the keys in your hand, and the first time you unlock the door knowing the home is finally yours. Before we get there, though, there are a few important details to take care of. I’ll help you keep track of the real estate pieces along the way so you can reach that moment feeling prepared instead of wondering what you forgot.

BEFORE CLOSING
Once your offer is accepted, the waiting can sometimes feel like the hardest part. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes while the transaction moves toward closing. I’ll help keep track of the real estate deadlines, contingencies, and other requirements under the purchase agreement and keep you informed about what’s happening along the way.

If you’re financing the purchase, stay in touch with your lender and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for another document or updated information. Underwriting can continue right up until the final stages. And while your mind may already be moving into the new house, try to keep your financial life nice and boring until the loan closes. Before taking on new debt, moving significant amounts of money between accounts without documentation, or changing employment, check with your lender about how it could affect your financing.

For most purchase mortgages, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Give yourself time to actually read it. Compare it with your most recent Loan Estimate and review the loan terms, monthly payment, closing costs, and the amount you’ll need for closing. If something worries you or simply doesn’t make sense, ask. This is your home and your money, and you deserve to understand what you’re signing.

Your settlement or closing professional will also tell you how and when your closing funds need to be delivered. Follow those instructions carefully and don’t leave the transfer until the last possible moment.

PLEASE PROTECT YOUR CLOSING FUNDS: Real estate transactions are a target for wire fraud, and the fraudulent email you receive may look completely legitimate. Before sending any money, independently verify the wiring instructions with your settlement or closing professional using a phone number you already know to be legitimate. Don’t trust a phone number, link, or last-minute change simply because it arrived in a familiar-looking email. If anything feels different or unexpected, stop and verify it before sending your money.

Then comes the final walk-through. According to the timing in your purchase agreement or local practice, you’ll get another chance to walk through the home before closing. This isn’t another inspection. It’s a chance to make sure the property is in the condition you agreed to purchase and that negotiated repairs or other agreed-upon items have been addressed as required.

And yes, it’s also one of those moments when the place you’ve been calling “the house” may start feeling a little more like your house.

ON CLOSING DAY
Before you leave, confirm the time, location, and anything you’re expected to bring. Each person signing should have the identification required by the closing professional.

There may be a pretty impressive stack of paperwork waiting for you, especially if you’re financing the purchase. Your documents may include the Closing Disclosure, promissory note, mortgage or deed of trust, and other loan and settlement paperwork. Take your time. Read what you’re signing. Ask when something isn’t clear. Nobody should make you feel rushed through one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make.

Much of the title work should already have been reviewed so that questions involving ownership, liens, or other title matters can be addressed ahead of time. Depending on where you live, your closing may involve a title company, settlement agent, escrow professional, or attorney. They’ll guide you through their part of the process, and I’ll be there for the real estate side of it.

WHEN THE KEYS ARE FINALLY YOURS
After all those signatures, you may be ready to grab the keys and head straight for the front door. Depending on local practice and the terms of your transaction, though, funding, recording, delivery of documents, or other closing requirements may still need to happen first. Your closing professional and I will help you know when everything is complete and when the keys are officially yours.

When possession is delivered, make sure you have the keys and anything else that should come with the property—garage door openers, access devices, or information provided by the seller.

And when you’re ready to turn your attention from closing to moving, take a look at the Ultimate Moving Guide, Checklist, and Supplies for some reminders that can help.

I’ll be here through the final steps to help keep track of the real estate details, communicate with the other professionals involved, and help with the questions that come up along the way.

There was probably a day when this home was nothing more than a photo on a screen or an address on a list. Then you walked through the door. You imagined your things inside it. You decided it might be the one. You wrote an offer, made decisions, signed papers, waited, and worked your way through everything it took to get here.

And then, one day, someone puts the keys in your hand—and the home you’ve been trying to buy becomes simply the place you get to come home to.