The short answer
Closing usually happens 30 to 45 days after you accept an offer. The buyer does a final walk-through, you sign the deed and closing documents, your mortgage is paid off from the proceeds, and once the sale records you receive the rest by wire or check. Keep insurance and utilities active until closing, and leave keys, openers and manuals for the buyer.
Keep homeowner's insurance and utilities running until the day of closing.
What happens at closing for the seller?
You sign the deed transferring ownership, a settlement statement showing every cost and credit, and any affidavits the title company needs. Depending on your state, you may sign with a title or escrow officer, an attorney or a mobile notary, and sometimes days before the buyer. The title company then pays off your mortgage and any liens, pays your closing costs, and sends you the remaining proceeds.
When do I get my money after closing?
Usually on the day the sale funds and records, or within one to two business days. Proceeds are normally sent by wire transfer. Confirm your wiring instructions with the title company by phone, using a number you know is genuine – never instructions sent only by email.
What should I bring to closing?
- A government-issued photo ID
- Your bank’s wiring details for your proceeds
- Your mortgage account information, if the title company has not already requested a payoff
- Keys, garage and gate openers, mailbox keys and alarm codes
What should I do before and after moving out?
- Keep homeowner’s insurance until the sale has closed and ownership has transferred.
- Schedule utility shut-off or transfer for the closing date – not before the buyer’s final walk-through.
- Finish agreed repairs and leave the receipts.
- Leave the home broom-clean and remove everything not included in the sale.
- Leave manuals and warranties for appliances and systems.
- Forward your mail and update your address.
- Keep your closing statement for your tax return.
What is the buyer’s final walk-through?
Within a day or two of closing, the buyer checks that the home is in the agreed condition, repairs are done and included items are still there. A home that is empty, clean and exactly as agreed makes for a smooth closing.
Common questions
Does the seller need to be at closing?
Not always. In many states sellers can sign ahead of time or with a mobile notary, and some documents can be signed under a power of attorney if the title company approves it.
When should I cancel my homeowner’s insurance?
After the sale closes and ownership has transferred. Until then the home is still yours to insure.
What is a settlement statement?
An itemized list of every cost, credit and payoff in the sale, ending with your net proceeds. Review it before you sign and keep a copy for your records.
What if the closing is delayed?
Delays usually come from the buyer’s loan, title issues or repairs. Your contract sets out what happens; I will keep you updated and work to keep your move on schedule.
A smooth finish
I review your settlement statement before you sign, coordinate the walk-through and stay on top of every detail until your proceeds arrive. Thinking about what you will net? Try the net sheet on the selling overview.