Your Closing Day Checklist
Everything marked "ESSENTIAL" is required—no exceptions. Missing any of these items will delay your closing.
Government-Issued Photo ID
ESSENTIAL: Valid driver's license, passport, or state ID. Must be unexpired and match the name on your documents exactly.
Cashier's Check or Wire Confirmation
ESSENTIAL: For your "cash to close" amount. Title company will provide exact amount and wiring instructions. Personal checks usually NOT accepted.
Proof of Homeowner's Insurance
ESSENTIAL: Declarations page showing coverage effective on closing date. Your lender requires this before funding.
Closing Disclosure (CD)
You received this 3 days ago. Bring your copy to compare with final documents.
Your Phone
For photos of documents, contact your agent/lender if questions arise, and your celebratory selfie.
Questions List
Write down any questions you have about the documents or process beforehand.
If you're wiring funds, CALL your title company directly using a phone number you looked up yourself (NOT from an email) to verify wiring instructions. Scammers hack emails and send fake instructions. Once wired to the wrong account, your money is likely gone forever.
What Happens at Closing
Here's your typical 1-2 hour closing appointment, step by step.
Check In & Verify Identity
Arrive a few minutes early. The closer (title officer or attorney) will verify your ID and confirm your name matches all documents.
Review the Closing Disclosure
Quick comparison of final numbers to what you received 3 days ago. Any changes should be minimal and explained.
Start Signing Documents
The closer will guide you through each document, explaining what you're signing. Ask questions at any time—this is your right.
Final Signatures & Verification
Last few documents and double-checking all signatures are complete. The stack is typically 50-100+ pages, but you won't read every word—trust the closer to highlight what matters.
Funding & Recording
Lender wires funds. Title company submits documents to the county for recording. This may happen while you're there or within a few hours.
You're a Homeowner!
Once recorded, you officially own your home. Time for the keys (see below for timing details).
What You'll Sign (and What It Means)
Click each document to learn what it is and why you're signing it.
What it is: The final accounting of your loan terms, monthly payment, and all closing costs.
What to check: Loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment, and cash to close should match what you expected.
Why it matters: This is your binding agreement on loan terms. You received this 3 days ago by law—review for any changes.
What it is: Your personal promise to repay the loan. This is the "IOU."
What to check: Loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment amount, and payment due date.
Why it matters: This makes you personally liable for the debt. It's the foundation of your mortgage.
What it is: The document that puts the home up as collateral for the loan (Texas uses Deed of Trust).
What to check: Property address, legal description, and that your name is spelled correctly.
Why it matters: This gives the lender the right to foreclose if you don't pay. It's recorded with the county.
What it is: The document that transfers ownership from seller to you.
What to check: Your name spelling, property legal description, and seller's signature.
Why it matters: This is proof you own the home. It's recorded with the county and you should receive a copy later.
What it is: Details about your escrow account for taxes and insurance.
What to check: Monthly escrow amount and when property taxes/insurance will be paid.
Why it matters: This is where part of your monthly payment goes to cover taxes and insurance.
What it is: Insurance protecting you (and the lender) against title defects or ownership disputes.
What to check: Coverage amount matches purchase price for owner's policy.
Why it matters: Protects you if someone claims they own part of your property or if there's an undiscovered lien.
What they are: Various federal disclosures, compliance documents, and lender-specific forms.
Examples: Right to Cancel (for refis), Tax Authorization, Payment Authorization, etc.
Why they matter: Required by law and lender policy. The closer will explain each one.
Who's in the Room?
Your closing might be intimate or have several people. Here's who you might see:
You (The Buyer)
Always There: And co-borrower if applicable. You're the star of this show.
Title Officer / Closer
Always There: Guides you through signing and ensures everything is completed properly.
Your Real Estate Agent
Often There: For support and celebration. They've walked this journey with you.
Seller's Agent
Sometimes: May attend for seller's signatures or to coordinate key handoff.
The Seller
Rarely There: Often signs separately for convenience.
Attorney
Texas: Rare: If you hired one or state requires. Texas uses title companies instead.
When Do You Get the Keys?
This depends on your specific situation. Here are the most common scenarios:
Immediate Key Handoff
Most common scenario. Once documents are recorded (often same day), you get keys from your agent, the seller's agent, or a lockbox code. Sometimes happens right at the closing table.
Same-Day After Recording
If closing happens in the morning, recording usually completes by afternoon. Your agent will coordinate key pickup once recording is confirmed.
Seller Leaseback
If the seller negotiated to stay a few days after closing (common when they're also buying a home), you'll get keys on the agreed-upon date.
Ask your agent at closing when and where you'll get the keys so there's no confusion!
What is "Recording" and Why Does It Matter?
After you sign, the title company sends your deed and mortgage documents to the county recorder's office. This is called "recording."
Makes your ownership official and public, establishes the date/time of ownership transfer, protects your claim against future disputes, and triggers the lender to fund the loan.
Timeline: Electronic recording takes minutes to a few hours. Traditional recording takes same day to next business day. You'll receive recorded documents by mail in 4-8 weeks.
Immediate Post-Closing Tasks
You're a homeowner—but there are a few things to handle right away:
- Change the Locks: You don't know how many copies of keys exist. Re-key or replace all exterior locks for security.
- Transfer Utilities: Electric, gas, water, trash, internet. Schedule for closing day or day after to avoid lapses.
- Update Your Address: USPS mail forwarding, driver's license, voter registration, bank accounts, subscriptions.
- Locate Shutoffs: Find your main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff. You'll need these in emergencies.
- Set Up First Payment: Your first mortgage payment is usually due 30-60 days after closing. Set up autopay to never miss.
- File Important Documents: Store your Closing Disclosure, deed copy, and title insurance policy somewhere safe.
- Apply for Homestead Exemption: Texas residents can save on property taxes. Apply with your county appraisal district by April 30th of the following year.
- Watch for Your Servicing Letter: If your loan is sold to another servicer (common), you'll receive instructions on where to send payments.
You just accomplished something huge. Homeownership is a major milestone—take time to celebrate your achievement! Take photos with your new keys, toast with your favorite drink, enjoy your first meal in your new home, or call family to share the news. You worked hard for this!