What to bring to closing: Checklist & tips for homebuyers

From finding the right agent to sitting down at the negotiating table, buying a home is a long process. The last thing you want as a homebuyer is to run into unexpected obstacles when you’re right at the finish line.

Learn what to bring to closing day and how the process works so you can finalize without fear. 

Plus, find out how Better simplifies the homebuying journey with a fast, free, and fully online application that takes as little as 3 minutes to complete.

What to expect on closing day

It’s normal to be a little nervous when closing on a home. After all, no one wants to get tripped up at the last mile. But closing day doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you know what to expect, you can come prepared.

Closing is the final step in buying a home. This is when the property becomes officially yours. You’ll release the funds from escrow to the seller, pay closing costs like mortgage and title fees, and get the deed in your name.

While closing day can take as little as two hours, the full closing process typically takes about 30 to 60 days, depending on the type of loan and current market conditions. This gives you plenty of time for tasks like the appraisal, inspection, and underwriting. It also gives you a cushion for gathering all the closing documents you need to be fully prepared when the day arrives.

What should I bring to a home closing?

Knowing what types of loan documents might be required at closing ensures you’ll be ready when it’s time to make it official. Here’s what to bring to closing as a buyer:

Photo ID

Bring a government-issued ID for everyone listed on the mortgage so the title company can verify your identity. Acceptable forms of ID for mortgage closing are government-issued driver’s licenses, identity cards, and passports.

Cashier's check or wire transfer

You’ll need to get a cashier’s check from your bank or initiate a wire transfer to pay for closing costs. A cashier’s check draws directly from the bank’s funds instead of your personal account to guarantee that the seller, mortgage provider, and other parties like the title company and local tax authority receive the funds.

If you prefer to go digital, arrange a wire transfer before closing day and bring the receipt. You’ll need some basic information like name, bank account number, and routing number for both the sender and the recipient. If you prefer, you can also visit your bank in person to initiate the transfer.

Standard personal checks aren’t accepted for closing costs because they might bounce if the buyer doesn’t have enough money in their account, holding up the entire process. They’re also more susceptible to fraud than certified payment methods.

You may be able to opt for a certified check, which is similar to a personal check but the funds have been pre-verified by the issuing bank. However, many lenders no longer accept this method.

Proof of insurance

Lenders need to know the property is protected against serious risks like a fire, so bring along the declarations page of your homeowner's insurance policy. This includes information like your name, a description of the property and the address, and the premium amount. 

Some lenders may want to see a different form of proof, so speak with your loan provider to double-check what they expect.

Closing disclosure

The closing disclosure clearly outlines your closing costs, such as recording fees for updating the deed in your name and title service fees. You’ll see the exact amount everything will cost, which is typically around 2–5% of the loan amount. 

The closing disclosure also shows loan terms like your interest rate and loan amount, as well as a breakdown of what your monthly payments will go toward, including:

— Principal

— Interest

— Property taxes

— Homeowner’s insurance

— Private mortgage insurance if applicable

Your real estate agent or real estate attorney

In general, closing isn’t overly complex, but it’s still vital to bring your real estate agent, closing agent, or attorney to ensure everything goes smoothly. In fact, having your lawyer present at closing is mandatory in some states.

Checklist for closing on a home

These are the main things to do before closing on a house:

Check in with your closing agent and lender

Get in touch with your closing agent or attorney in case there are less common requirements to satisfy for your particular deal. Contact your lender to address any final details.

Purchase insurance

Secure homeowner's insurance so you’re covered for risks like fire or theft. While there’s no law requiring buyers to take out a homeowner's insurance policy, your lender might require it.

You’ll also need to pay for title insurance for your lender to protect their investment in the property against previously unknown ownership claims, liens, or other title defects. You can also buy owner’s title insurance to protect yourself against the same issues. That way, if a hidden claim comes up later, you won’t be personally liable for the financial loss. Owner’s title insurance is optional but highly recommended by real estate experts.

Satisfy contingencies

If the seller has contingencies in the contract for things like a certain appraisal figure, complete all of them before closing day to avoid delays or even the seller pulling out of the deal. This is also the time to verify that the seller followed through on any contingencies you included in the contract, like specific repairs.

Hire an attorney

Depending on your state, you may be required to have a closing attorney present. Their job is to review the documentation and keep everything in compliance with the law.

Take the final walkthrough

Schedule a last walkthrough to verify the home’s condition. This lets you catch any new problems and double-check that the home is ready for moving in.

Get your payment method ready

Use your closing disclosure to see how much you’ll need to pay in closing costs, then arrange the cashier’s check, wire transfer, or certified check so you’ll be ready to close.

Tips for a successful closing day

Following these suggestions will help you have a fast and uneventful closing:

Be prepared

Gather all the documents needed for closing on the house as early as possible. Having all your closing paperwork in hand well in advance keeps the day from turning into a last-minute scramble for documents.

Allow extra time for potential delays

Sometimes problems arise even when you’ve done everything you can to prepare. Building extra time into your expected timeline can temper disappointment if something goes wrong.

When you choose Better, your loan comes with a closing guarantee: If something goes wrong on our side, we’ll give you $2,000 to make it right.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you have any doubts about any aspect of the deal, ask your closing agent or lender. It’s a key part of their job to clear up misunderstandings, and they want a smooth closing just as much as you.

Don’t rush the move

Line up utilities, plan renovations or updates, and think about where to place your furniture and household items well before moving in. Preparing early makes moving, which is already a potentially stressful event, much easier.

What to avoid before closing on a house

There are a few things to steer away from when you’re nearing closing day. Making a major purchase, quitting your job, or applying for a new line of credit can make your lender nervous. They need to be certain there’s nothing that might impact your ability to make your monthly payments, and they could see substantial changes to your finances as a red flag.

Choose Better to close with confidence

Closing day is nothing to fear if you gather all your paperwork early, get answers to lingering questions, and make sure your payment method is ready to go.

Better makes buying a home as easy as possible with a fully online process that gets you from preapproval to closing fast. You can get preapproved in as little as three minutes, with funds in your account in as little as a week, with 24/7 support to guide you every step of the way.

Apply today and see how much you can save with Better.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

FAQs

What’s the 3-day rule for closing?

Your lender is legally obligated to give you the closing disclosure at least 3 days before closing. This gives you a window for taking care of the final details.

Do I have to close in person?

The answer depends on your state. Some require you to be physically present, while others allow the option of remote or virtual closings.

What type of identification is required for the real estate closing process?

You’ll need to bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, identity card, or passport.