From Contract to Keys: What Buyers Should Know About Closing

Finding the right home is exciting. The weeks between an accepted offer and getting the keys can feel less familiar: documents arrive, deadlines overlap, and moving plans compete for attention. A clear closing plan helps you know what to ask and who to call.

Build your closing contact list early

Keep your real estate agent, lender and settlement team in one easy-to-find contact list. Ask who will coordinate the closing, how documents will be delivered and which tasks still need your attention. If you are buying while selling another property, put both timelines in front of the team early.

At Fortis Title & Escrow, buyers, sellers, agents and lenders can connect with a team focused on title and real estate settlement services.

Give the paperwork time

For most mortgage purchases, your lender must provide a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Compare it with your most recent Loan Estimate, paying attention to the loan terms, monthly payment and cash needed to close. Ask about unfamiliar fees or differences while there is still time to address them.

Request other closing documents in advance, too. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s document checklist is a useful starting point. Bring your questions to the lender or settlement team before signing.

Moving from another state? Discuss the logistics

A relocation adds practical questions beyond the transaction itself. Will everyone who needs to sign be available? When should travel be booked? What happens if the sale of your current home and purchase of your next home fall on different dates?

Ask your settlement team which signing arrangements are available for your transaction before making plans. Keep your moving schedule, temporary lodging and utility start dates flexible until the timing is settled. CVA’s relocation resources and neighborhood directory can help with the local side of your move.

Protect your closing funds

Do not rely on an email alone when sending closing money. Call the title company using a trusted number you already have to confirm instructions. Treat unexpected changes as a reason to stop and call, and confirm receipt after sending funds. Fortis explains the process in its wire-fraud prevention resource.

Make a short closing-day checklist

• Ask what identification and documents to bring.
• Confirm the appointment, signing location and approved method for delivering funds.
• Coordinate the final walkthrough with your agent.
• Ask when keys will be released and when you will receive your completed documents.

The best question before closing is often the simplest: “What still needs to happen?” Asking it early gives everyone a clearer path from contract to keys.

Connect with Allegra

Allegra Milisitz works in Business Development at Fortis Title & Escrow, serving all of Virginia, Florida and Ohio. Planning a purchase, sale or relocation? Call 757-884-6590 or email Allegra to start a conversation.