Your Ultimate Real Estate Closing Checklist

Buyer’s Perspective

Your home buying journey is almost complete. You’ve gone through all the necessary preliminary steps, like having the seller accept your offer and completing a home inspection. The next milestone is your real estate closing.

Your closing day is the final step to receiving the keys to your new home. On this day, you’ll sign the documents that officially transfer property ownership to you and pay your closing costs, taxes and any remaining fees. Depending on your city or state, the closing process may vary slightly. Your signing may take place at a local Stewart Title office, with one of our Stewart Trusted Providers™, or at a location you choose. You may sign the closing documents digitally or complete a traditional wet-ink sign with pen and paper.

As your closing day approaches, confirm with your local Stewart office what the process will look like and what to bring to closing. Confirm your schedule in advance with your real estate agent and confirm the items to bring. Below is a helpful closing day checklist for buyers:

Buyer Closing Day Checklist – What to Bring to Closing

• Photo ID
• Cashier’s Check for closing costs (if not wiring funds)
     • Personal checks are typically not accepted 
     • If wiring funds, always verify wiring instructions verbally with the office and never rely solely on email

• Closing Disclosure from your lender (provided at least 3 business days before closing)
• Proof of homeowner’s insurance, which you can obtain from major insurance providers or utilize Stewart Insurance

Seller’s Perspective: Preparing for the Closing Process

As the seller, your responsibilities during the real estate closing are fewer, but staying organized helps prevent delays. Keep communication open with your agent and be aware of any issues the buyer may be having with their loan approval, as this could affect the transaction.

A day or two before closing, confirm that all required documents are complete and in the hands of the appropriate parties. While most closings run smoothly, last-minute issues such as missing paperwork or scheduling conflicts can occur. These can often be avoided with preparation.

Parties who should be present at closing need to be informed of any change in the date, time or place. They should be reminded a week before closing and again the day before. Everyone named on the deed under which you hold title must sign the new deed by which you grant title.

Also, confirm how and when you will receive your proceeds. In many cases, you should not expect to leave the settlement table with a check-in-hand.

If you are buying another property, consider having both closings at the same office scheduled back-to-back. That way, the timing of the disbursement is not a problem. You sign a paper authorizing the title company or attorney to assign the funds from sale to purchase.

Here are the items and documents to prepare for closing:

Seller Closing Day Checklist – What to Bring to Closing

• Photo ID
• A copy of the sales contract and documentation showing that any contingencies have been removed or satisfied
• Documents required for transfer of title, which may include:
     • Certification of title
     • Correcting affidavits
     • Quitclaim deeds
     • Survey
     • Title insurance policy

• Prorations for ongoing expenses, such as insurance premiums, property taxes, accrued interest on assumed loans and utilities (if not shut off between owners)
• Receipts showing payment of the latest water, electric and gas bills
• Mortgage payoff statement from your lender showing the remaining balance and interest paid-to date

Interested in learning more about the buying and selling process?

- Building Your Dream Home Wishlist
- Top Energy Conservation Tips for Your Home
- The Ultimate Moving Guide
- Real Estate Title Insurance and Closing Services