The real estate closing

The real estate closing. So what is escrow? I suspect you have heard these words before. In simple terms, escrow is the real estate closing period when both the buyer and seller are contractually obliged to the deal and all that’s left is to finalize the details and securely transfer funds and title. A title company gathers the documents and the funds “in trust” and delivers the documents to the appropriate parties in a trust capacity if all conditions to the transfer have been satisfied. This process with the receipts and disbursements is documented in the “sellers closing statement”, “buyers closing statement” and the HUD statement, which is prepared by the title company.

Time flies. A typical 30 day close goes a lot faster than you think. From inspections to financing, the closing period can be a bit stressful, but the good news is that you’re almost finished with your real estate transaction. Click here to learn the details.

Let’s look at some specific questions sent in by DearMonty readers from across the country. Read more Q&A articles about the “Closing” stage of the Home Selling process:

  • Is your real estate transaction failing?

    Reader Question: Is our transaction failing? How many days before the scheduled closing, does the buyer’s agent have to present us with the final “letter of commitment?” We want to firm up our plans. Monty’s Answer: The first place to look for your answer is the contract. Each state has its laws and forms, so…

  • Three explanations for shocking HOA exit fee

    Reader Question: ​We are in the closing process of selling our home. We just learned from our agent that the title company received an invoice for eleven hundred dollars from the company that manages our homeowner association (HOA). This is a shocking HOA exit fee. We checked around with friends that have moved out of…

  • A successful home seller closing

    Many real estate transactions end in water-cooler conversations. The closing takes place, but not on the date planned, or money requirements require changes, or the seller took the washer and dryer; or dozens of other possibilities. Ensuring a successful home seller closing is attainable. Many real estate closings take place on time and as agreed.…