Closing a cash purchase
What changes when there's no lender, and what stays the same.
GreenVue Title & Escrow closes cash purchases. A cash closing follows the same basic steps as a financed one, with fewer parties involved.
Still part of a cash closing
What stays the same
- Title search
- Confirms who owns the property and what claims are attached
- Title commitment
- Lists what must be done before closing and what won’t be covered
- Transfer tax
- Paid when the deed is recorded
- Recording
- The deed goes to the county Register of Deeds
No lender involved
What changes
- Lender’s policy
- None. The owner’s policy is optional
- Mortgage tax
- None, because there’s no deed of trust
- Closing Disclosure
- None. You review a settlement statement instead
- Loan approval
- Nothing to wait on
How a cash closing works
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Open your file
Once you have a signed contract, order title and share the contract.
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Title search and commitment
We search the records and issue the commitment, with its requirements and exceptions.
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Clear any problems
Liens such as the seller’s mortgage are lined up to be paid off at closing.
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Review your settlement statement
It shows the price, taxes, fees, and the amount you need to bring.
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Send funds and sign
Verify wiring instructions by phone first. Then sign, and the deed is recorded.
Your title protection
With no loan, there’s no lender to insure. An owner’s policy is optional, and it’s the only title insurance protecting you. See owner’s vs. lender’s title insurance.
Estimate the transfer tax
Estimate your state taxes
- Transfer tax
- $1,480
An estimate using state rates current as of September 2026. Transfer tax is figured on the price or the property’s value, whichever is greater; this uses the price. Recording fees and title premiums aren’t included. Your settlement statement has the real figures.
Sending your funds safely
Cash buyers often send their funds by wire, and wires are a target for fraud. Before you send anything:
- Treat any emailed wiring instructions as suspect, even if they look like they’re from someone you trust.
- Call your title company at a phone number you already know to verify the instructions. Don’t use a number from the email.
- Call again after sending, to confirm the money arrived.
Read more in Cyber Security.
Next step
Under contract on a cash purchase? Order title to open your file.
This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to your attorney.
Let’s Work Together
Let us know how we can help make your real estate transaction a done deal.