Guides

The closing process, step by step

What happens between a signed contract and the day you get the keys.

A real estate closing is the point where money changes hands, the documents are signed, and ownership officially moves from the seller to the buyer. Most of the work happens in the weeks before, out of sight. Here’s what’s going on.

  • 3 business days

    You get your Closing Disclosure at least this long before signing, if you have a loan.

  • 1 point of contact

    At GreenVue, one person follows your file from start to finish.

  • Call to verify

    Confirm wiring instructions by phone, at a number you already know.

The steps

From contract to keys

  1. Sign the contract

    The buyer and seller agree on price and terms. The buyer usually puts down earnest money.

  2. Open a title order

    Your agent, lender, or you send the contract to the title company. At GreenVue, you can order online or drop the contract off at either office.

  3. Title search

    The title company reviews public records for the property: deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, tax records, and probate filings.

  4. Title commitment

    The insurer’s offer to issue a policy. It lists what must happen before closing and what the policy won’t cover.

  5. Clear any problems

    Called curative work: lining up payoffs for the seller’s mortgage and other liens, or correcting errors in earlier records.

  6. Closing Disclosure

    If you have a loan, your lender sends it at least three business days before you sign. Compare it with your loan estimate.

  7. Final figures and funds

    You get a settlement statement showing what you bring or receive. Before wiring anything, call to verify the instructions.

  8. Sign

    Buyers and sellers sign the deed, loan documents, and settlement statement.

  9. Fund and record

    Money moves and the deed is recorded. The closing agent pays out funds as the contract and the lender direct, then sends the deed and deed of trust to the county Register of Deeds.

Who’s involved

  • Buyer and seller. The two parties to the contract.
  • Real estate agents or attorneys, if either side has one.
  • The lender, if the buyer is borrowing.
  • The settlement agent. The person or company that runs the closing and collects and pays out funds as the contract and lender direct. In Tennessee, this is often a title company.

Closing day checklist

Tick these off as you get them ready. Your list is saved in this browser.

What to bring to closing

0 of 3 ready

If something changes

If your loan changes in certain ways before closing, like the APR moving beyond a small allowed margin, the loan product changing, or a prepayment penalty being added, you get a corrected Closing Disclosure and a new three-day wait. Smaller changes don’t restart the clock.

Next step

Under contract? 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.

Order Title Call (615) 250-1810