What Buyers Can Expect

From contract to keys, we’ll walk with you every step of the way. Here’s what to expect and who to contact during each phase of the home buying process.

    • Appraisal: A professional opinion of a property's value, typically required by lenders.

    • Binder: Temporary insurance policy issued before the permanent policy is finalized.

    • Clear Title: A title free of liens or legal questions about ownership.

    • Closing Costs: All fees due at closing, including taxes, title fees, lender fees, and more.

    • Closing Disclosure (CD): A federally required form that outlines the final details of a mortgage loan, including fees and terms.

    • Deed: The document used to legally transfer property ownership.

    • Down Payment: The amount the buyer pays upfront, typically a percentage of the purchase price.

    • Earnest Money: A deposit made to show serious intent to purchase a property.

    • Encumbrance: A physical encroachment or recorded document that attaches to and binds the property, such as liens, easements, covenants, and leases.

    • Escrow: A neutral third party that holds funds/documents until closing conditions are met.

    • Homeowners Association (HOA): A group that manages a community and may require fees and documents.

    • Inspection: An assessment of the property’s condition, usually performed during due diligence.

    • Lender’s Title Insurance: Protects the mortgage lender from title defects.

    • Lien: A legal claim against a property for unpaid debt.

    • Loan Estimate (LE): An early document from the lender detailing estimated fees and loan terms.

    • Mortgage: A legal agreement giving the lender rights to the property if the loan isn’t repaid. In West Virginia, a mortgage is referred to as a Deed of Trust.

    • Notary: A state-certified individual who witnesses signatures on legal documents.

    • Owner’s Title Insurance: Optional policy that protects the buyer against missed title defects, fraudulent filings, and future fraud and encroachments.

    • Payoff Statement: A document from a lender showing the exact amount needed to pay off a loan.

    • Power of Attorney (POA): A legal document allowing one person to act on behalf of another.

    • Pre-Approval: An estimate from a lender indicating how much they are willing to lend.

    • Prorations: Splitting of costs (taxes, HOA dues) between buyer and seller based on closing date.

    • Recording: Filing the deed and other documents with the county to make the sale official.

    • Remote Closing: Completing the signing process via mail, e-signature, or mobile notary.

    • Settlement Statement: Detailed accounting of all the money involved in the transaction.

    • Survey: A map showing property boundaries and improvements.

    • Title Commitment: A promise to issue a title insurance policy, including any exceptions, and fulfill any listed requirements.

    • Title Search: A review of public records to confirm legal ownership and identify issues.

    • Underwriting: The lender’s process of evaluating risk and loan eligibility.

    • Walk-Through: Final inspection by the buyer before closing to ensure property condition.

    • Wire Transfer: Secure electronic transfer of funds often used for closing payments.

 1. Offer Accepted

  • You and the seller have agreed on all pertinent terms and signed the purchase contract. The deal is official!

    • Signed purchase agreement

    • Your real estate agent’s contact information

    • Your lender's contact information (if purchasing with a loan).

    • Your real estate agent (to confirm deadlines)

    • Your lender (to start your mortgage application)

    • Your title company (to place your order if purchasing outright)

    • We open your file and begin coordinating with your agent and lender

    • We begin collecting contract details and deadlines

 2. Title Search Begins

  • The legal history, all relevant documents, and tax information for the property is being pulled and compiled.

    • Nothing from you at this time (we handle the research)

    • Us (your title company) if you want to learn what title insurance is and how it protects you.

    • Searching public records to make sure the seller legally owns the property

    • Checking for liens, unpaid taxes, judgments, easements, and more

    • Creating your title commitment document

3. Title Commitment Issued

  • You or your lender receive a document summarizing what we found during the title search. This document will detail any issues, if applicable, and will offer remedies and recommendations to solve those issues.

    • Review the title commitment

    • Decide whether to purchase owner’s title insurance (optional, but strongly recommended)

    • Us (the title company) to ask questions about what we found

    • Your lender (if applicable) to discuss if any changes or additional documentation will be needed based off of the issued title commitment.

    • Sending the title commitment to you or your lender

    • Discussing any applicable changes to the closing process based on the issued title commitment with you or your lender

    • Resolving any issues that may delay closing

    • Finalizing insurance options

 4. Loan Processing & Appraisal (if applicable)

  • Your lender is working behind the scenes to approve your mortgage.

    • Submit any documents your lender requests (pay stubs, W-2s, IDs)

    • Respond quickly to lender communication

    • Your lender regularly for loan updates

    • Us (title company) only if your lender needs title-related paperwork

    • Coordinating with your lender to ensure title paperwork aligns with the loan

    • Preparing your preliminary settlement statement

 5. Pre-Closing Review & Final Numbers

  • You’ll receive the final cost breakdown before signing.

    • Review your Closing Disclosure (this will be provided by us or your lender)

    • Ask questions if anything is unclear

    • Prepare your funds (typically a wire transfer or cashier’s check)

    • Bring a valid photo ID

    • Your lender about your loan terms and final payments

    • Us (your title company) to ask about line items, wire instructions, or timing

    • Sending you and your lender the final settlement statement

    • Preparing your closing documents

    • Giving you instructions on where to send money and what to bring

 6. Closing Day

  • You sign your paperwork, pay closing costs, and get the keys!

    • Government-issued photo ID

    • Confirmation of your wire transfer or certified funds

    • Any remaining documentation your lender or we requested

  • Us (your title company) — we’ll walk you through the documents and explain anything you're unsure about

    • Hosting your closing (in office, remotely, or via mobile notary)

    • Collecting and notarizing signatures

    • Finalizing all paperwork for submission

 7. Recording & Finalization

  • The transaction is made official.

  • Nothing at this stage — just wait for your documents and enjoy your new home

  • Us (your title company) if you have post-closing questions

    • Filing the deed and mortgage with the county

    • Sending final copies of signed documents

    • Mailing or delivering your owner’s title policy

Buyer FAQs

What is owner’s title insurance and do I need it?

Owner’s Title Insurance (OTI) is an optional, but strongly encouraged, coverage that insures the equity a new home owner has in the property for the entire time they own the property. OTI protects against title defects that we, as the title company, may have missed, as well as prior and future acts of fraud against the property. Your policy can help cover legal defenses and potential losses in your equity. If purchasing through a lender, you will be required to purchase a lender’s title insurance policy - this policy does not cover you as the buyer or any money you have put towards the equity of your new home.

How do I wire money safely?

Before wiring funds for closing, call our office directly using a known phone number to confirm wire instructions. Never trust emailed instructions without verbal confirmation — real estate wire fraud is real. We never change wire instructions via email.

What should I bring on closing day?

You’ll need a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of funds (wire confirmation), and any outstanding documents requested by your lender or agent. We’ll let you know if anything else is needed.

What happens if my lender isn’t ready by the closing date?

We coordinate with your lender daily to prevent delays. If the lender isn’t ready, your closing may need to be rescheduled. We’ll notify all parties and help set a new date promptly.

Can I close remotely or electronically?

In many cases, yes. We offer remote and hybrid closings for an additional fee depending on your lender and location. Ask us early so we can plan accordingly.

More Questions? Contact Us

If you still have more questions, please reach out to us!