Buying a home can be a long and complicated process, but the final step is the real estate closing. This is the day when all the necessary paperwork is signed, and ownership of the property officially transfers from the seller to the buyer. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may not know what to expect at a real estate closing. In this blog post, we’ll explain the process and what you can expect on the day of the closing.
What is a real estate closing?
A real estate closing is the final step in the process of buying or selling a home. It’s a meeting where the buyer and seller, along with their real estate agents, come together to complete the sale. The closing typically takes place at the title company’s office, and it usually lasts between one and two hours.
What happens at a real estate closing?
The first thing that will happen at the real estate closing is that everyone will sign a lot of paperwork. This paperwork includes various documents and the Deed, which transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer. If the buyer is obtaining financing, they will sign the lender’s documents, which include the mortgage and promissory note. The mortgage details the terms of the financing and the promissory note is the ‘promise to pay’ and creates the legal obligation to pay the loan.
The buyer will also need to provide proof of insurance and pay any closing costs and fees that are due. These costs can include things like recording fees, closing and title fees, and lender closing costs. The seller will need to provide proof that any liens or encumbrances on the property have been paid off.
Once all the paperwork is signed and the money has been exchanged, the closing is complete. The buyer will receive the keys to the property, and the seller will receive the proceeds from the sale.
Who will be present at the real estate closing?
Several people will be present at the real estate closing, including:
- The buyer and seller
- Real estate agents for both parties
- The title company representative
- The lender’s representative
If there are any issues that need to be resolved prior to closing or if any other legal problems arise at closing, the parties may require representation by an attorney to resolve them before the sale can be completed.
What should you bring to the real estate closing?
Before the real estate closing, the buyer should receive a list of documents they need to bring to the closing. These documents can include:
- A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of homeowner’s insurance
- A wire transfer to cover any closing costs and fees
- Any paperwork or documents requested by the lender or title company
It’s essential to review this list carefully and make sure you bring everything you need to avoid any delays or complications at the closing.
Conclusion
A real estate closing is the final step in the homebuying process, and it’s a crucial one. It’s important to be prepared and know what to expect so that the process goes smoothly. By understanding the steps involved and what documents you need to bring, you can ensure that the closing is a success and that you’re ready to move into your new home.