🗝️ Closing Day: What to Expect

A simple, stress‑free guide to the final steps of your home sale or purchase.

Closing Day is the finish line — the moment everything becomes official. Whether you’re buying or selling, this guide walks you through what happens, what to bring, and how to make sure every detail is wrapped up neatly (including utilities and mail!).

📅 1. What Happens on Closing Day

Closing Day is when:

• All final documents are signed
• Funds are transferred
• The deed is recorded
• Keys are exchanged
• You officially become the buyer or seller of record

Most closings take 45–60 minutes and are handled by a closing attorney or title company.

🧾 2. What Sellers Need to Bring

• Government‑issued photo ID
• Keys, remotes, gate fobs, mailbox keys
• Garage door openers
• Any warranties or manuals you’re leaving for the buyer
• Your forwarding address for final documents

If you’re out of town, remote closings are common and easy.

🧾 3. What Buyers Need to Bring

• Government‑issued photo ID
• Certified funds (if required)
• Proof of homeowner’s insurance
• Final loan documents (if applicable)
• A list of questions for the closing attorney

Your lender will confirm the exact amount needed for closing.

🔌 4. Don’t Forget: Transfer Your Utilities

This is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps.

Sellers

• Cancel or transfer service for:
  • Electric
  • Water + sewer
  • Gas
  • Trash + recycling
  • Internet + cable
• Set the stop date for the day after closing, just in case of delays.

Buyers

• Set up new service for:
  • Electric
  • Water + sewer
  • Gas
  • Trash + recycling
  • Internet + cable
• Schedule activation for the day before closing so you walk into a fully functioning home.

📬 5. Forward Your Mail

Whether you’re buying or selling, this step keeps everything running smoothly.

USPS Mail Forwarding

• Set up online (fastest)
• Forward for 6–12 months
• Update your address with:
  • Banks
  • Credit cards
  • Insurance
  • Subscriptions
  • Employer
  • Medical providers

Buyers: make sure you know where your new mailbox is located — especially in communities with cluster boxes.

🏡 6. When Do Buyers Get the Keys?

Buyers receive keys after the deed is recorded, which usually happens:

• Same day as closing
• Or within a few hours

If you negotiated a rent‑back, the seller may stay in the home temporarily — this will be clearly outlined in your contract.

💸 7. When Do Sellers Receive Their Funds?

Sellers typically receive proceeds:

• Same day
• Or within 24 hours
• Via wire transfer or check

Your closing attorney will confirm the exact timing.

🧹 8. Final Walk‑Through (Buyers)

Usually completed within 24 hours of closing.

Buyers check:

• Repairs are complete
• Home is in agreed‑upon condition
• Appliances are present and working
• No new damage has occurred

This is not another inspection — just a final confirmation.

🧼 9. Move‑Out Expectations (Sellers)

Unless otherwise stated in the contract, sellers should leave the home:

• Broom‑clean
• Free of personal belongings
• With all keys, remotes, and access items left behind

A quick wipe‑down of surfaces is always appreciated.

🎉 10. Celebrate — You Did It

Closing Day marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this is a moment worth celebrating.

📞 Need Help With Closing Prep?

From utility transfers to mail forwarding to coordinating your move, I’m here to make your transition smooth and stress‑free.

Call or Text: 912‑414‑4427Email: PennyRaffertyRealty@gmail.com

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