Closing day is one of the most critical moments in a real estate transaction—and one of the easiest days to derail if you're unprepared. Showing up without the right documents or failing to verify key details can delay closing by days, cost you thousands in extended financing fees, or even kill the deal entirely. This checklist ensures you walk into that closing meeting ready and protected.
Documents You'll Need to Bring
Your lender and title company will have sent you a preliminary closing disclosure at least three days before closing. Bring the actual document with you—not a screenshot. You'll also need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Proof of homeowner's insurance (declaration page showing your policy number and effective date)
- Cashier's check or wire transfer confirmation for your down payment and closing costs (amounts typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price, plus title insurance premiums around 0.5% to 1%)
- Any addendums or amendments signed during negotiations
- Your pre-approval letter (for reference, though the lender will have a copy)
If you're buying with a spouse or co-borrower, both parties must bring ID. If you're represented by an attorney, they'll often handle document coordination, but confirm this the day before.
Verify the Closing Disclosure 72 Hours Early
Federal law requires lenders to provide your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Don't wait until closing day to review it. Request it earlier if possible and check:
- Loan amount matches your approval. If it's higher than expected, ask why immediately. Some lenders increase amounts if appraisals come in high; this shouldn't happen without your consent.
- Interest rate is locked. Confirm the rate shown matches your lock agreement, including any rate reduction buy-downs.
- Closing costs are itemized correctly. Title insurance, appraisal fees, credit report fees, and loan origination fees should be listed separately. Total closing costs typically run $2,000–$5,000 for a $300,000 home purchase, but vary by location and loan type.
- Property address and legal description are accurate. One typo here can invalidate the entire document.
- Down payment amount matches your agreement. Any changes need your written approval.
Call your lender immediately if anything doesn't match. Don't assume it's a "routine" error—every discrepancy needs resolution before you sign.
Confirm Final Details with Your Title Company
Two business days before closing, contact the title company directly (not just your real estate agent). Verify:
- Exact closing time and location. Confirm the address, parking, and whether the closing happens in-person or remotely (remote closings are now common and handled via video conference with a notary).
- Who's attending. Will the seller be there? Your agent? The lender's representative? Know who to expect.
- Payoff amounts for liens. If you're selling, the title company must contact your current lender to get the exact payoff amount needed to clear the mortgage. If this isn't coordinated properly, closing delays by hours.
- Survey requirements. Some lenders require a new survey; if yours does, confirm the title company has received it. A survey costs $300–$800 and takes 5–7 days.
- HOA documents and financials. If applicable, ask that the title company has received the HOA estoppel letter (proof you're not in violation of HOA rules and owe no special assessments).
What to Verify at the Closing Table
Bring a pen and checklist. Before signing anything:
- Review the Closing Disclosure one more time. Don't assume it's identical to the version you reviewed days earlier; last-minute adjustments happen.
- Verify the names on all documents match your ID. Misspellings, maiden names, or business name formats can cause problems.
- Request an itemized explanation of any fees you don't recognize. The title company rep should explain every line.
- Confirm the wire transfer instructions if you're funding via ACH or wire. Scammers sometimes intercept email with fraudulent wire instructions—call your lender directly to confirm before sending money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I find an error in the Closing Disclosure the day before closing? A: Contact your lender and title company immediately by phone—don't email. Many errors can be corrected and re-disclosed within 24 hours if flagged early, but this requires urgent action.
Q: Do I need to bring my original homeowner's insurance policy? A: No, just the declaration page. Your title company will verify coverage directly with your insurance company, but having the page on hand speeds up verification if questions arise.
Q: Can I use a power of attorney to close on my behalf? A: In most states, yes, but you must establish this before closing day. Your lender and title company need written, notarized power-of-attorney documentation at least 48 hours in advance. Check your state's requirements, as they vary.
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Ready to close with confidence—use this checklist and reach out to your title company if anything feels unclear.