You’ve found the home, made an offer, and worked your way through the mortgage process. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for is almost here: closing day.

Closing is the final step before you can officially call your new home yours. While it's an exciting milestone, all the paperwork, costs, and final details can feel a little overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can help you walk into closing day feeling prepared and ready for what comes next.

What should you do before closing day?

The days leading up to closing are about making sure there are no last-minute surprises. You’re almost through, but there are a few things left to do:

Review your closing disclosure

You should receive your closing disclosure at least three business days before closing. It outlines your final loan terms, monthly payment, closing costs, and the amount you’ll need to bring to closing.

Compare it with your loan estimate and contact your lender if something looks different or you don’t understand a charge.

Complete your final walkthrough

A final walkthrough gives you an opportunity to make sure the home is in the condition you expected. Confirm that agreed-upon repairs were completed and that items included in the purchase are still there.

Get your homeowners insurance lined up

You’ll also want to verify that your homeowners insurance is in place. If you need to buy any additional policies like flood insurance, now is the time to add them. This will need to be verified before your loan moves to the closing phase.

What about closing costs?

Closing costs are separate from your down payment and may include:

• Loan origination and lender fees
• Appraisal and credit report fees
• Title, escrow, and recording fees
• Prepaid interest
• First year hazard insurance premium
• Property taxes and insurance impounds if applicable

While costs vary, buyers can generally expect closing costs to represent a percentage of the home's purchase price. Your closing disclosure will show the final amount you’re expected to pay. Depending on your loan and purchase agreement, some costs may be paid by the seller or covered through other available options.

What happens on closing day?

Closing day is when everything comes together. You’ll typically meet with a closing agent, title company representative, or attorney depending on your location and transaction.

During closing, you will:

1. Review and sign the final loan and ownership documents
2. Provide any required funds (these are typically already wired to escrow)
3. Complete required notarizations
4. Finalize the transfer and disbursement of funds
5. Complete the legal transfer of ownership

Once everything is finalized, the home can officially become yours.

What documents will you sign?

There can be quite a bit of paperwork at closing. Some key documents may include:

• Closing disclosure: Details your final loan terms and closing costs
• Promissory note: Your agreement to repay the mortgage
• Mortgage or deed of trust: Establishes the home as collateral for the mortgage
• Deed: Transfers legal ownership of the property to you
• Other disclosures and affidavits: Depending on your loan and location

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Closing documents are legally binding, so make sure you understand what you’re signing.

What happens after you sign?

Once the paperwork is complete, the closing agent coordinates the distribution of funds and recording of the appropriate documents. The seller receives the proceeds, the mortgage funds are distributed, and ownership documents are recorded according to local requirements.

Then comes the part you’ve been waiting for: getting the keys and starting life in your new home.

Ready to close?

You don’t have to navigate closing on your own. Your mortgage team can help you understand what’s happening and what you need to do next. Contact our Home Lending Team at 888-334-5120 if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does closing take?

The length of a closing typically lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the transaction and paperwork involved. Your closing agent can tell you how much time to set aside.

What should I bring to closing?

Your closing agent or lender will tell you exactly what you need. This may include a government-issued photo ID and funds for your down payment and closing costs. It's also a good idea to confirm the acceptable payment method with your closing agent in advance so there are no surprises on closing day.

What if I find a mistake at closing?

If something is significantly different from what you previously reviewed, contact your lender or closing agent and make sure you understand the change.