The Closing Process

A simple guide to preparing the home, reviewing the final figures, signing safely, and completing a smooth handoff.

Several Days Before Closing

  • Confirm the closing date, time, location, and whether you will sign in person or remotely.
  • Make sure the closing attorney has the seller information, payoff details, HOA information, and other documents requested from you.
  • Complete agreed repairs and gather receipts, invoices, warranties, and supporting photographs.
  • Ask when you should expect the preliminary settlement statement and how questions should be submitted.

Prepare the Home

  • Remove personal property, trash, and debris unless an item is included in the contract.
  • Leave the property broom-clean and avoid moving damage.
  • Keep utilities active through the final walkthrough and the agreed transfer time.
  • After the home is empty and clean, take dated photographs or video of every room, the exterior, included appliances, completed repairs, and utility meters.
Final walkthrough: The buyer will usually confirm that the property remains in the agreed condition, required repairs are complete, and included items are still present.

Review the Settlement Figures

Review the preliminary settlement statement as soon as it is available. Check:

  • Your name and the property address
  • Loan payoff amounts and other liens
  • Taxes, HOA amounts, prorations, credits, and agreed concessions
  • Closing costs, commissions, and estimated seller proceeds

Send questions or requested corrections to the closing attorney promptly. The closing attorney is the best source for questions about a specific dollar amount on the statement.

Protect Your Closing Funds

Wire-fraud warning: Never rely only on wiring instructions received by email. Before sending funds or sharing financial information, call the closing attorney at a trusted, independently verified phone number and confirm every instruction verbally. Be suspicious of any last-minute change.

Closing Day

  • Bring a current government-issued photo ID.
  • Bring only the additional documents or funds the closing attorney specifically requested.
  • Review each document before signing and ask questions about anything that is unclear.
  • Do not sign a document containing an error. Ask the closing attorney to correct it first.

Funding, Possession, and Keys

  • Signing and funding are not always the same event. Wait for confirmation from the closing attorney that the transaction has closed and funded.
  • Follow the contract for possession. Do not release access early unless the parties have a written agreement.
  • Provide keys, mailbox keys, garage remotes, gate devices, fobs, alarm information, and other agreed access items as instructed.
  • Leave manuals, warranties, and repair documentation for the buyer in one clearly marked place.

After Closing

  • Save the final settlement statement and all signed closing documents.
  • Confirm receipt of seller proceeds using the method arranged with the closing attorney.
  • Complete the agreed utility and insurance changes after possession transfers.
  • Coordinate sign and lockbox pickup with DUFFY.

DUFFY Recommendation

Finish packing and property preparation early enough to review the home yourself before the buyer arrives. Organized documents, verified instructions, and a clean handoff help prevent last-minute surprises.