You’ve found the house, made the offer, negotiated the details, and cleared the inspection — congratulations! You’re nearing the finish line of your home-buying journey. All that stands between you and your new home is closing day.
It’s the day you sign the final paperwork, transfer funds, and officially become a homeowner. And while it’s often treated as a formality, it’s not just a ceremonial step. Closing day involves real money, real deadlines, and real documents — so it pays to be fully prepared.
Here’s how to make sure everything goes smoothly.
The Final Walk-Through: Your Last Chance to Check
A day or two before closing, you’ll do a final walk-through of the property. This is your opportunity to confirm that:
The home is in the agreed-upon condition.
Any requested repairs have been completed.
Nothing has been removed that was supposed to stay (like appliances or light fixtures).
No damage has occurred since the home inspection.
Don’t treat this step lightly — it’s your last chance to flag anything that’s off before signing the paperwork.
The Importance of Staying Organized
There’s a lot to track in the final week of your home purchase — and a lot of paperwork you’ll need both now and in the future.
With the Trustworthy Family Operating System®, you can keep your closing disclosure, final settlement statement, wire instructions, and post-closing documents secure, private, and available. Trustworthy's digital vault is especially useful if you want quick access to your deed, property tax information, home warranty, or other essential files after move-in.
Understanding the Closing Disclosure
At least three business days before closing, your lender is required to send you a closing disclosure. This document outlines the final details of your loan and the full breakdown of your closing costs.
Review it carefully. Check for:
Accuracy of the loan terms, interest rate, and monthly payment.
Total closing costs and how much cash you’ll need at closing.
Escrow payments for taxes and insurance.
Any seller credits or other negotiated terms.
If anything looks different from what you expected, contact your lender or agent right away. It’s easier to fix errors before you’re sitting at the closing table.
What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $8,000 to $20,000 — a significant amount, and one you’ll usually need to pay upfront.
Common closing costs include:
Loan origination fees.
Appraisal and credit report fees.
Title search and title insurance.
Escrow or settlement fees.
Prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Your lender should provide an itemized breakdown so you know exactly where every dollar is going.
What to Bring to Closing
Whether you’re closing at a title company, an attorney’s office, or remotely, make sure you come prepared. You’ll typically need:
A government-issued photo ID.
Proof of homeowners insurance.
Certified or wired funds for closing (as specified in your instructions).
A copy of your closing disclosure.
Any documents your lender or agent requested.
Ask your real estate agent for a checklist ahead of time to ensure nothing gets missed.
What Happens During the Signing
At closing, you’ll review and sign a stack of documents — including the mortgage, promissory note, and final settlement statement. You’ll also hand over your down payment and closing costs, typically by wire transfer or cashier’s check.
Once everything is signed and the funds have been received, the title is transferred, the deed is recorded with your local government, and the keys are officially yours.
It might sound like a formality, but double-check every document before signing — especially your name, the loan amount, and the interest rate.
After Closing: What Comes Next
Once closing is complete, you can breathe — and celebrate. But there are still a few things to take care of:
Set up utilities in your name if you haven’t already.
Change your address with the post office, banks, and any other important institutions.
Organize your paperwork — including your deed, title insurance, and warranty information — for future reference.
Start your emergency fund for home maintenance, if you haven’t already. Even small repairs can add up.
The Bottom Line
Closing day is the final step in a long journey — and while it’s exciting, it’s also a moment when attention to detail really matters.
By preparing thoroughly, reviewing your documents, and staying organized with Trustworthy's digital vault, you’ll not only avoid last-minute surprises — you’ll set yourself up for a smoother transition into homeownership.
Your new home is almost yours. Take a deep breath, check the list, and get ready to turn the key.
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Trustworthy is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
