What Happens on Closing Day? What You Will Sign and What to Bring

In Texas, closing almost always happens at the title company. The title company is a neutral company that checks that the house has no debts or problems in its ownership history, holds everyone's money while the sale closes (that is what escrow means), and runs the signing.

At the table you will usually find the closer from the title company, you (and anyone signing with you), and me. The seller often signs at a different time or place, so do not be surprised if you never see them.

The important part happens before the table:

• You receive the Closing Disclosure. This is the final sheet for your loan: the amount, the costs, and how much money you need to bring to closing. Under federal rules, for most loans you must get it at least three business days before closing. Read it calmly and compare it with what your lender told you. If something does not match, ask the lender before the day, not at the table.
• The title company tells you how much and how to pay. They give you the exact amount and whether it goes by wire transfer or cashier's check.
• We do the final walkthrough. We go back to the house to make sure it is in the condition everyone agreed to and that any negotiated repairs were done.
• You set up homeowner's insurance. The lender requires it before closing. If you have not priced it yet, read what insurance will cost on that house before you offer.

1. A current photo ID. The title company tells you which ones they accept. Ask ahead of time.
2. Your funds, already sent or in the form they asked for. A wire usually goes out before closing day. A cashier's check is made out to whoever they tell you.
3. Everyone who needs to sign. If you are married, ask the title company whether your spouse needs to sign anything, even if they are not on the loan. In Texas this comes up often.
4. Your questions, written down. Nobody is rushing you. If you do not understand something, ask before you sign.

Before you send any wire, call the title company at a number you already know, not one from an email, and confirm the payment instructions. There are scams that send emails that look like they come from the title company, with a different bank account. If you get an email saying "the instructions changed," do not send anything. Call first, and let me know.

Every closing has its own set of papers, but these are the ones you will almost always see:

• The final Closing Disclosure. The same sheet you already reviewed, now for signing.
• The promissory note. Your promise to repay the loan, with its terms.
• The deed of trust. The document that puts the house up as security for the loan. This is how it works in Texas.
• The settlement statement. The summary of all the money coming in and going out in the purchase.
• Simple declarations. For example, that your name is spelled correctly or that the information you gave is true.

The seller, for their part, signs the deed that transfers the house into your name.

It is a stack of pages, and it is fine to read them. The closer explains each one, and I am right there next to you for whatever you need.

Signing is not always the same as getting the keys. After everyone signs, the lender reviews the documents and sends the money. That is called "funding." It can take a few hours. The house is handed over the way your contract says, which is usually at closing and funding. That day, I call you to tell you it is yours.

• The title company records the purchase with the county.
• Keep your closing documents somewhere safe. You will need them.
• Apply for your homestead exemption. You file it with your county appraisal district, and it can lower your property taxes. I will tell you when and how. In the meantime, here is why the tax bill on the listing won't be yours.

How much money do I need to bring?

The title company gives you the exact amount, and it is on your Closing Disclosure. If something on it surprises you, ask your lender to walk you through it line by line.

Can I sign somewhere else if I cannot make it?

Sometimes, with a notary the title company sends. It has to be arranged ahead of time.

What if I see something at the table I do not understand?

You stop and ask. That is why we are there.

Can I bring someone from my family?

Yes. Let the title company know so there is room.

Closing is not the moment for surprises. If you reviewed the Closing Disclosure, confirmed your wire by phone and brought your ID, closing day is signing, asking whatever you need to, and getting your keys.

Is your closing coming up and you have questions?

Tell me what is on your mind, and I will walk you through what to expect that day and what to ask beforehand. No commitment, nothing to sign.

I'm Veronica Yeary, a real estate agent in Dallas-Fort Worth, CRS®, ABR®, SRS® and CIPS. I am with you from start to finish, and after closing too.

Call or text me at 469-441-8890, or email veronica@veronicayeary.com.

469-441-8890 · Call or text · veronica@veronicayeary.com · Email