• Go over closing figures with Buyer prior to closing
• Go with Buyer to final walk through before closing
• Attend closing with buyer
• Return retainer to buyer at closing

This step takes 1-2 hours which seems a bit quick after all the preparation! But most closings are very informative and many times are the first time buyers and sellers have met! It can be a wonderful opportunity for sharing special information about the property and the neighborhood and many times the parties eagerly exchange contact information. The agent attends the closing but the closing is under the direction of the attorney or title company who coordinates all the paper work and the monies. It is at this time that the agent will receive a commission check for the company for which they work. They will in turn receive a portion of that check for being your agent.

1. Apply early for homeowners insurance and fill out/sign any necessary paper work
2. Ask for a commitment letter – then READ IT! (Bring to closing)
3. Be sure that the title company gets a copy of any addendums, especially if they pertain to sales price or seller paids.
4. If somebody is a non-borrower but wants to go on title, we need to get approval from the lender in advance. 
5. Ask for a good faith estimate – remember that it is an ESTIMATE!
6. If money needs to be moved around from multiple accounts/states, etc., make sure this is done at least a few days prior to closing. If they are wiring from out of state, they will have to be at that out of state bank to request the wire. Most banks will not do this over the phone. If they are withdrawing funds from an investment account, it frequently takes two weeks to free up those funds.
7. If coming from a prior closing, the buyer will need to tell the other attorney ahead of time that we need certified funds or a bank check. Especially if they are coming from out of state, make these arrangements early!
8. Keep in mind that when we close a brokered loan, the closing time is often dictated to us by the investor – before lining up movers, they should make sure their investor will be funding us etc, especially for early morning closings.
9. Buyers should remember that fuel prorations are usually not included in the numbers we give out and mostly handled outside of closing. Water & Sewer are also not included on the HUD unless final bills are provided to us in advance by one of the parties or their realtor.
10. If we say we are tentatively scheduling a closing, remember the tentative part! The lender ultimately controls when the loan will be able to close.
11. Bring ID!! Listing agents should be reminded that if the seller has no ID, he or she cannot receive any proceeds.