Closing day is when ownership officially transfers from seller to you. After weeks of home searching, negotiations, inspections, and lender processing, you're finally ready to get your keys and move into your new home.

Understanding what happens before and during closing helps you prepare, avoid surprises, and ensure a smooth transition to homeownership.

What to Check:
✅ Property Condition – No new damage since your inspection

✅ Agreed Repairs Completed – All negotiated repairs finished properly

✅ Included Items Present – Appliances, fixtures, window treatments, and other included items are there

✅ Excluded Items Removed – Items specifically excluded by the seller are gone

✅ Utilities Functional – Turn on faucets, flush toilets, test appliances, run HVAC

✅ Cleanliness – Home is broom-clean (or as negotiated in the contract)

✅ Keys & Access – Confirm all keys, garage remotes, and gate codes will be provided

What If You Find Problems?

Minor issues can often be resolved with credits at closing or post-closing agreements.

Major problems may require delaying closing until resolved. This is why the final walkthrough happens 24-48 hours before closing—time to address issues without derailing the closing.

We'll accompany you on the final walkthrough to identify any concerns and advise on appropriate action.

Before You Arrive

What to Bring:

▪️Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
▪️Cashier's check or wire confirmation for your closing funds
▪️Proof of homeowners insurance
▪️Any additional documents requested by title company or lender

Who Attends:

▪️You (the buyer)
▪️Your real estate agent (Tami)
▪️Title company closing officer/escrow officer

▪️Lender representative (rarely, most closings proceed without them)

The Closing Process:
Review Documents

The closing officer walks you through documents you'll sign. Don't rush—read and ask questions.

Sign Documents

You'll sign numerous documents including:

▪️Promissory Note – Your promise to repay the loan
▪️Deed of Trust/Mortgage – Securing the property as collateral for the loan
▪️Closing Disclosure – Final accounting of all costs and credits
▪️Deed – Transferring ownership from seller to you
▪️Various affidavits, disclosures, and acknowledgments required by lender and state

Provide Funds

If you haven't already wired funds, you'll provide a cashier's check for your down payment and closing costs.

Receive Keys

Once all documents are signed and funding has taken place, you receive keys to your new home!

How Long Does Closing Take?

Buyer closings typically take 45 min-1 hour. Plan accordingly and don't schedule anything immediately after.

Your First Payment
Your first mortgage payment is typically due 1-2 months after closing.

For example:

▪️Close on March 15
▪️First payment due May 1

You pay interest from closing date through end of the month at closing (prepaid interest), then your first full payment covers the following month.

What's Included in Your Payment
PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance):

▪️Principal – Paying down your loan balance
▪️Interest – Cost of borrowing
▪️Property Taxes – Collected monthly, paid annually by lender from escrow
▪️Homeowners Insurance – Collected monthly, paid annually by lender from escrow

HOA Fees: If your community has an HOA, those fees are separate—not included in your mortgage payment.

Problems That Can Delay Closing

Lender Delays

Last-minute conditions, missing documents, or underwriting issues. Solution: Respond immediately to lender requests and stay in close contact.

Title Issues

Liens, judgments, or ownership disputes discovered during title search. Solution: Title company works to clear issues, may require delay.

Appraisal Problems

Low appraisal requiring renegotiation or additional cash. Solution: Negotiate with seller or bring extra funds.

Inspection Issues

Significant problems discovered late in process. Solution: Negotiate repairs, credits, or consider terminating.

Wire Fraud Attempts

Fraudulent emails with fake wiring instructions. Solution: ALWAYS call the title company directly using a verified phone number to confirm wiring instructions. Never trust emailed instructions.

Missing Documentation

Seller can't provide required documents or clear title. Solution: May require closing delay while issues are resolved.

We monitor the transaction closely to identify and resolve potential issues before they delay your closing.

Q. What time of day do closings usually happen?

A. Most closings occur in the morning or early afternoon, though afternoon closings are common. The title company schedules based on availability and coordination with all parties.

Q. Can I move in immediately after closing?

A. Not quite. In Texas, you take possession once the transaction has funded, which typically happens 2-4 hours after all parties have signed closing documents. If closing happens later in the day, funding could happen the following day. Most buyers receive keys on the funding date, however sometimes sellers negotiate a short rent-back period for additional time after funding.

Q. What if I find a problem after closing?

A. Significant undisclosed issues may be covered by seller disclosure laws, title insurance, or home warranties. Document everything and consult with your agent and attorney if necessary.

Q. How long is my earnest money held?

A. Earnest money is held in escrow from when your offer is accepted until closing, when it's applied to your down payment or closing costs. If the contract terminates, refund timelines vary.

Q. Do both buyer and seller attend closing?

A. Not in Texas, closings  happen separately—buyer signs their documents at one time, seller signs later. 

Q. What if closing gets delayed?

A. Delays happen. Common reasons include lender issues, title problems, or repair complications. We'll work to minimize delays and keep you informed throughout the process.