Step 19: Clear to Close
The underwriter has signed off on every condition. Closing documents and the Closing Disclosure come next.
"Clear to close" means the underwriter has signed off on every condition and the lender is ready to prepare final loan documents.
What happens next
- The lender sends the Closing Disclosure. Federal rules require that you receive it at least 3 business days before closing.
- The lender and escrow agree on final figures and prepare the closing package.
- Escrow schedules the signing and tells you exactly how much to bring.
Last-minute checks
Even after clear to close, the lender usually:
- Re-verifies your employment, often by phone, within days of closing
- May do a soft credit check for new debts
- Confirms insurance is in force
Keep your finances unchanged until after funding.
Next: review your Closing Disclosure.
Your next move, by loan program
- Conventional: After clear to close, expect the Closing Disclosure right away and closing at least 3 business days after you receive it. Check my loan status
- FHA: Make sure any FHA-required repairs were re-inspected and signed off before clear to close. Check my loan status
- VA: Your VA funding fee (or exemption) is now final and shows on the Closing Disclosure. Check my loan status
- USDA: Clear to close on USDA comes after USDA's own approval, not just the lender's. Check my loan status
- Jumbo: Confirm reserves are still in your accounts. Some jumbo lenders re-verify assets just before closing. Check my loan status
- Investor: Confirm the LLC documents, lease and insurance in the entity's name are all final. Check my loan status