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Step 22: Closing Day

Sign the loan and title documents, the lender funds, the deed records, and you get the keys.

Closing (also called settlement) is when ownership transfers to you. Depending on the state, it happens at a title company, an attorney's office, with a mobile notary, or partly online.

What to bring

  • A government-issued photo ID (some states require two)
  • Confirmation that your cash to close was wired, or a cashier's check if escrow allows it
  • Any documents escrow asked for

What you'll sign

  • Promissory note: your promise to repay the loan
  • Deed of trust or mortgage: gives the lender a lien on the home as security
  • Closing Disclosure: the final terms, which should match what you reviewed
  • Escrow account disclosure, occupancy certification and other program forms
  • The seller signs the deed transferring ownership to you

Funding and recording

After signing, the lender sends the loan money to escrow; this is funding. Escrow pays the seller, the seller's lender and everyone else listed on the settlement statement, then records the deed and deed of trust with the county. In some states, all of this happens the same day; in others, funding can take one or two business days.

Getting the keys

You get the keys at the possession date in your contract, usually once the deed is recorded or the funds are released.

Next: after closing.

Your next move, by loan program

  • Conventional: Bring a photo ID. Your cash to close should already be wired and confirmed. Go to my documents
  • FHA: You'll sign FHA-specific documents, including the FHA amendatory clause and the real estate certification. Go to my documents
  • VA: You'll sign the VA loan documents and certify that you'll live in the home as your primary residence. Go to my documents
  • USDA: You'll certify occupancy. USDA loans are for primary residences only. Go to my documents
  • Jumbo: Some jumbo closings need a review of large wire amounts by your bank. Send funds a day early. Go to my documents
  • Investor: If closing in an LLC, the authorized signer signs for the entity, and personal guaranties may be signed too. Go to my documents