Closing Day, Step by Step

Closing day is the finish line, and it should feel like a formality rather than a cliff. Here is exactly what happens, so nothing about it surprises you.

Before you arrive

• Review your Closing Disclosure one more time.
• Arrange your funds to close by wire or cashier’s check per the instructions — and confirm wire details directly with a known contact to avoid fraud.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID.
• Do a final walkthrough of the home if you are buying.

At the table

You sign the loan documents and the transfer paperwork — the note, the security instrument, and the disclosures. It is a stack, but a settlement agent walks you through each one. Ask about anything you do not understand; there is no bad question at a closing.

After you sign

Your funds are disbursed, the loan is recorded with the county, and — on a purchase — you receive the keys. On a refinance, there is often a short right-of-rescission window before the loan funds. Then it is done, and the home or the new loan is yours.