The Pre-Closing Checklist (Complete 14–3 Days Before Closing)

  1. Review the Closing Disclosure: Received 3 business days before closing. Compare every line item to the original Loan Estimate. Question any increase in Section A or B fees.
  2. Verify wire transfer instructions: Call the title company at a number you independently look up (not from email) to confirm wire instructions. Wire fraud is common in real estate — verify every time.
  3. Confirm cash to close amount: Get the exact cashier’s check or wire amount from the title company 48 hours before closing. Personal checks are not accepted.
  4. Check escrow account setup: Confirm that property tax and insurance amounts in escrow are correct based on your actual tax bill and insurance premium.
  5. Verify seller concessions are applied: Confirm the seller’s agreed concession appears on the Closing Disclosure under 'Seller Credits.' Any discrepancy should be resolved before the closing appointment.
  6. Confirm title insurance policies: Both lender’s and owner’s title insurance policies should be confirmed. Get certificate numbers.
  7. Final walk-through: Conduct 24 hours before closing. Any issues (repairs not completed, items removed) affect the closing and should be addressed before the closing appointment.
  8. Bring required identification: Government-issued photo ID for all borrowers. Some closings also require a secondary ID.
  9. Confirm closing location and time: In-person vs. remote closing (RON — Remote Online Notarization is available in many states). Confirm parking, bring a pen.
  10. Post-closing: confirm first payment date: Your first mortgage payment is typically 30–60 days after closing. Confirm the exact date with your servicer to avoid inadvertent late payments.
⚠️The Wire Fraud Verification Rule

Real estate wire fraud costs American buyers over $400M annually. The perpetrators intercept email communications and send fraudulent wire instructions from spoofed addresses. Rule: NEVER wire money based solely on email instructions. Always call the title company at an independently verified phone number to confirm wire details before sending.

The Day-of-Closing Quick Checklist

  • Government-issued photo ID (all borrowers)
  • Cashier’s check (if not wiring) or wire confirmation receipt
  • Copy of the Closing Disclosure
  • Any outstanding documentation requested by lender
  • Checkbook for minor last-minute adjustments (rare but possible)

Get Your Closing Cost Estimate Now — Then Follow the Checklist

The calculator sets the expectation. The checklist ensures you arrive prepared.

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