The closing process
Five steps happen in roughly the same order in every real estate transaction. Here's what we do at each one — and what we'll need from you.
Starting the process
The buyer and seller sign the sales contract and deliver it to us with the deposit. We accept the escrow, open the title order and immediately request tax information, loan payoffs, a survey if needed, HOA or maintenance-fee estoppels, and the title search.
Title search & examination
We search the public records — deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, assessments, wills, divorces and anything else that could affect title — then examine what we find to confirm the legal owner and identify every debt or claim against the property. The result is the title commitment, which goes to all parties for review.
Document preparation
We review the lender's closing instructions and any requirements from other parties, prepare the deed, affidavits and closing statement, gather every charge and credit, and schedule the closing.
Settlement
The closing itself. The seller signs the deed and closing affidavit; the buyer signs the note and mortgage. We collect the funds, pay off the existing loan, and disburse to the seller, agents and every other party — the same day.
Post-closing
We record the deed and mortgage with the county, pay any remaining service providers, and issue the owner's and lender's title policies. Your original recorded documents and policy follow by mail. Nothing further is required of you.
What to bring to closing
- Government-issued photo ID for every signer
- Funds for closing — by wire or cashier's check, confirmed with us by phone first
- Proof of homeowner's insurance (buyers with a mortgage)
- Any documents your lender has asked you to bring
- Keys, garage openers and codes (sellers)
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