What Sellers Can Expect

You’ve accepted an offer — now let’s make it happen! Here’s how we help you move from contract to closing day with clarity and confidence.

    • 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 claim against property by a party not the owner, such as a lien or easement.

    • 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.

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

    • Owner’s Title Insurance: Optional policy that protects the buyer against title defects.

    • 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.

    • Title Insurance: A policy that protects against financial loss from title defects.

    • 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 buyer have signed the contract and agreed to the terms.

    • Contact information for your real estate agent

    • Your mortgage lender info (if you still have a mortgage)

    • Your agent (to ensure all contract details are shared with us)

    • Your lender to request a payoff statement

    • Opening your file

    • Collecting your payoff info and contract terms

    • Beginning the title search to verify ownership and debts

2. Title Search & Payoff Coordination

  • We verify your ownership and ensure the property is ready for transfer.

    • Provide contact info for your HOA (if applicable)

    • Provide any existing mortgage, lien, or judgment information

    • Complete a payoff authorization form

  • Us (your title company) to help with payoff or lien release paperwork

    • Running a title search

    • Requesting loan payoff statements

    • Resolving any issues that could delay closing

 3. Review of Final Numbers

  • You’ll see how much you’re walking away with after closing.

    • Review the Seller Settlement Statement (we’ll send this to you)

    • Confirm how you want to receive your proceeds (check or wire)

    • Provide your forwarding address

  • Us (your title company) to confirm everything looks correct

    • Finalizing all cost and payoff calculations

    • Creating the closing documents and wiring instructions

 4. Closing Day

  • You’ll sign the deed and other forms, and the home will officially be sold.

    • Valid photo ID

    • Keys, garage remotes, or other items you’re turning over

    • Any additional documents we or your agent request

  • Us (your title company) if you can’t attend — we can arrange a remote closing

    • Hosting or coordinating the signing

    • Collecting your signatures

    • Preparing for disbursement of funds

 5. Recording & Funds Disbursed

  • The transaction is finalized and funds are delivered.

  • Nothing else — just confirm receipt of your proceeds

  • Us (your title company) if you have questions or need tax documents later

    • Recording the deed with the county

    • Sending your sale proceeds via check or wire

    • Closing out your file with a confirmation email

Seller FAQs

When do I get paid?

Once all closing documents are signed by both parties and the payment is received, we will disburse your funds on the same day. You can choose a wire transfer or a paper check. Please note that wires, while faster, may still have a delay of 2-24 hours depending on your bank; likewise, depositing large funds via check may result in a temporary hold which could delay you accessing your funds - please check with your financial institution for more information about accessing your proceeds after closing.

Who pays for what at closing?

Both buyer and seller have specific responsibilities. Sellers typically pay the real estate commission, deed preparation fees, and transfer taxes. Buyers typically pay for the lender’s policy, loan fees, and title work. We provide a full settlement statement before closing.

What if I still have a mortgage on the property?

No problem. We request a payoff statement from your lender and ensure it’s paid in full at closing. Any remaining proceeds go to you.

What should I bring on closing day?

Bring a valid photo ID, keys, garage openers, HOA info (if applicable), and any final documents we request. We’ll provide a personalized checklist before your appointment.

Can I close without being physically present?

Yes. We offer mail-away or remote closings in most cases. You will need to sign your documents in front of a notary prior to the scheduled closing date to ensure the completed documents are received on time. Fraud and identity theft are on the rise, so when selecting a remote closing, be prepared to complete additional identity verification steps such as video conferencing with our settlement agents, ID verification, or using a licensed and insured remote online notary service (RON) for an added service fee.

More Questions? Contact Us

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