Closing and Moving In Closing The closing process involves an attorney or title company representative, all buyers, listing and selling brokers and all owners. The home seller should bring all warranties on equipment and any instructions on equipment maintenance or operation. The attorney or title company will have searched the title, provided title insurance and obtained old and new lender instructions. All unresolved walk-through deficiencies must also be resolved at this time. Closings follow different customs in different markets; in some areas, "round table" closings bring all parties together at the closing table; while in other areas, buyers and sellers complete the process through separate, individual appointments with the title company. Ask your Agent to explain what's customary in your area. The attorney or title company representative will explain the deed of trust or mortgage; the deed of trust note or mortgage note; VA, FHA or lender forms; and settlement sheets. The buyer needs to sign these documents, and pay the balance of the down payment as well as the buyer's closing costs with a cashier's or certified check. Signing on the Dotted Line The escrow agent will explain the settlement sheets to the seller and obtain their signature on both the sheets and the deed. The seller then must pay the appropriate closing costs. If the seller's taxes or insurance have been escrowed, the seller will receive any money accumulated in the account for bills not yet due. Additionally, the seller will be reimbursed for any money paid in advance and not used, such as property taxes. The seller will receive these refunds at or after settlement, depending upon the area. Taxes and home owner's dues or condominium fees will be pro-rated on a daily basis. Seller, buyer and brokers are supplied a copy of the settlement sheets for their records. Move-In Your moving date is determined in negotiation with the seller; it may or may not coincide with your closing date. Your Agent will write your purchase agreement with a specific timeline in mind, reflecting your needs and what the seller can accommodate. Whether you're able to move in immediately upon closing (which is sometimes very workable, especially in the case of homes that are already vacant), or five, 10 or 15 days thereafter – it’s all negotiable.