Closing Day Preparation Guide
Everything you need to know, bring, and do — the day before, the day of, and immediately after your closing. Print this page and check off each item.
Closing Day Preparation Guide
Closing Day Preparation Guide
HomeClosing101.com — Print and bring to your closing appointment
What to Bring to Closing
Gather these items the night before. Don't leave anything to the last minute.
Government Photo ID (2 forms)
Driver's license, passport, or state ID. Both must be valid and not expired. Name must match loan documents exactly.
Certified/Cashier's Check or Wire Confirmation
For your cash to close amount (listed on your Closing Disclosure). Payable to the settlement agent — not the seller.
Proof of Homeowner's Insurance
Your insurance declaration page showing coverage effective on or before closing date. Must list lender as mortgagee.
Personal Checkbook (Backup)
For minor last-minute adjustments to closing costs. Personal checks won't cover the main closing amount but handle small overages.
Purchase Agreement Copy
Your signed contract with the seller. Verify the purchase price and terms match your Closing Disclosure.
Most Recent Bank Statement
Shows the source of your down payment funds. Lender may request this for final verification before closing.
Timeline: The Day Before Closing
Complete each step in order. Most issues discovered now can still be resolved.
Confirm closing time and location
Call your settlement agent or real estate agent to confirm the exact time, address, and what floor or suite number. Know where to park. If it's a mobile closing, confirm the notary's arrival time.
Do your final walk-through
Inspect the property one last time. Test all systems — HVAC, plumbing, appliances, garage doors, outlets. Verify any agreed-upon repairs were completed. This is your last chance before taking ownership.
Verify wire instructions BY PHONE
If wiring your closing funds, call your settlement agent at a number you already have on file. Do NOT rely on emailed wire instructions — wire fraud is the #1 threat to homebuyers. Initiate the wire before your bank's cutoff time.
Review your Closing Disclosure one more time
Compare every number to your Loan Estimate. Check your loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, and cash to close. Flag anything that looks different before you sit down at the table.
Charge your phone and get a good night's sleep
You'll want your phone for any last-minute calls or to photograph signed documents. A clear head helps you stay focused during the signing — there will be a lot of paperwork.
At the Closing Table
What to expect when you sit down to sign. You have every right to ask questions.
Who will be there
- Settlement agent or closing attorney
- Your real estate agent
- Seller's agent (sometimes)
- Lender representative (sometimes)
- A notary public (if not the settlement agent)
Documents you'll sign
- Promissory note (your promise to repay the loan)
- Deed of trust / mortgage (secures the loan to the property)
- Closing Disclosure (final accounting of all costs)
- Title documents and affidavits
- Escrow and tax forms
- Initial escrow account statement
How long it takes
Plan for 1 to 2 hours. Most closings take about 60-90 minutes. If both buyer and seller are present, it may take longer. Remote or e-closings may be faster.
Questions you can still ask
- "What exactly am I signing right now?"
- "Can you explain this fee on the Closing Disclosure?"
- "When will I get my keys?"
- "What happens if something is wrong after closing?"
- "Who do I contact if I have questions later?"
After Closing: Immediate To-Dos
Don't celebrate just yet — take care of these within the first week.
Save all closing documents
Store physical copies in a fireproof safe and scan digital copies to cloud storage. You'll need these for taxes, refinancing, and potential disputes.
Set up utility transfers
Contact electric, gas, water, sewer, internet, and trash services. Schedule transfers for your closing date or the day you move in. Don't let service lapse.
Change the locks
Rekey or replace all exterior locks immediately. You don't know how many copies of the old keys exist. Include the garage door code if applicable.
File homestead exemption
If this is your primary residence, file for homestead exemption with your county assessor's office. This can significantly reduce your property taxes. Deadlines vary by state.
Keep your title insurance policy forever
Your owner's title insurance policy protects you for as long as you (or your heirs) own the property. There is no expiration. Store it with your closing documents — you may need it decades from now.
Wire Fraud Warning
Real estate wire fraud costs homebuyers hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Criminals hack email accounts and send fake wiring instructions that look legitimate. Once your money is wired to the wrong account, it is almost impossible to recover.
NEVER trust wiring instructions sent by email — even if they appear to come from your agent, lender, or title company.
ALWAYS verify wiring instructions by calling a phone number you already have on file — not a number from the email.
IF SOMETHING SEEMS OFF — stop. Call your settlement agent. Call your bank. It is better to delay closing than to lose your life savings.
