Home Seller’s Guide to Closing

Closing the Sale: What Every Home Seller Needs to Know About Paperwork, Timelines, and Final Steps

Selling your home is a major milestone—but you’re not finished until the sale officially closes. The closing process is where everything comes together: paperwork, deadlines, legal requirements, and the final transfer of ownership. Whether you’ve sold multiple homes or this is your first time, understanding what’s required from you at closing can make all the difference in avoiding last-minute surprises and ensuring a smooth hand-off to the buyer.

Here’s a clear, straightforward guide to help you navigate the closing process with confidence.

1. Understand the Closing Timeline

Once you’ve accepted an offer, you and the buyer will enter into a contract that outlines a closing date—typically 30 to 60 days from the date of acceptance. During this period, several steps will take place behind the scenes:

• • Home inspection (usually within 7–10 days after contract signing)
  • Appraisal (required if the buyer is financing the purchase)
  • Title search and commitment to ensure a clear title
  • Loan approval and underwriting on the buyer’s side
  • Final walk-through (often 24–48 hours before closing)

Although many of these tasks fall on the buyer or their lender, delays can still occur. Stay in touch with your real estate agent and be prepared to respond quickly if additional documents or access to the home are needed.

2. Get Familiar with the Paperwork

Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork. While your real estate agent and closing agent (title company, escrow officer, or attorney, depending on your state) will guide you, it’s important to understand what these documents are:

• • Purchase agreement – This is the legally binding contract between you and the buyer.
  • Seller’s disclosure forms – These outline any known issues or repairs needed in the home.
  • Deed – This legal document transfers ownership from you to the buyer. You’ll sign this at closing.
  • Closing statement (ALTA or HUD-1) – This shows the breakdown of financials: sale price, closing costs, agent commissions, taxes, and how much you’ll net from the sale.
  • Bill of sale – If you’re including appliances, light fixtures, or other personal property in the sale, this document outlines what’s being transferred.

You’ll have a chance to review the final closing statement before signing. Be sure to check it carefully, and ask questions about anything that doesn’t seem right.

3. Prepare for Closing Costs

As a seller, you’ll be responsible for certain closing costs, which typically range from 6% to 10% of the home’s sale price. These costs may include:

• • Real estate agent commissions (usually 5%–6%, split between buyer and seller agents)
  • Title insurance (if the seller is responsible in your state)
  • Transfer taxes and recording fees
  • Outstanding liens or property taxes

You won’t need to bring cash to the closing table—these costs are deducted from your sale proceeds. However, it’s wise to have a general idea of what you’ll net from the sale so you’re not caught off guard.

4. Know Your Responsibilities Before Closing

To avoid delays, there are a few things you need to take care of before closing day:

• • Repairs – If you agreed to make repairs after the inspection, be sure they are completed and documented.
  • Utilities – Schedule your utility services (electricity, water, gas, trash) to be transferred or shut off as of the closing date.
  • Final cleaning and move-out – Leave the home in “broom-clean” condition, with all your belongings removed unless otherwise agreed upon.
  • Keys and codes – Prepare to hand over all house keys, garage door openers, gate codes, and appliance manuals.

5. What Happens on Closing Day

On closing day, you’ll meet with the buyer, their agent, and the closing agent to sign documents and officially transfer ownership. Depending on your state, this may happen in person or remotely. Be sure to bring:

• • A government-issued photo ID
  • Any documents your agent or title company requested
  • Banking information if your funds will be wired

Once everything is signed, the deed is recorded with the county, and the buyer receives the keys—your home is officially sold.

6. After Closing: What’s Next for You

Congratulations—you’ve closed the sale! But there are a few final details to handle:

• • Cancel your homeowners insurance the day after closing (not before).
  • Keep copies of your closing documents for your tax records.
  • Update your address with the post office, your bank, and other important contacts.

For Your Consideration

Selling a home can be emotional and complex, but closing the deal doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding the paperwork, timeline, and what’s expected of you, you’ll be ready to complete the process with peace of mind—and move forward to your next adventure.

For More Home Buying and Selling insights, join my Free newsletter by clicking HERE.