Whether this is your first purchase or you are a real estate veteran, the closing process can sometimes appear to be mystifying. This thumbnail review should help you to understand what goes on before, during and after the day that you sit down and sign all the formal documents at Key Title.
Purpose Of A Closing/Settlement
As your closing agent, Key Title acts as a third party to ensure that: the real estate sales contract is fulfilled, the Seller has good and marketable title to convey to the Purchaser, Lender's Instructions and Conditions are met, all costs incident to the sale (e.g. required inspections, lender fees, escrow account payments, title insurance costs, loan payoffs, taxes and homeowner association dues, et al.) are paid and/or prorated to the appropriate parties, and that sale proceeds are disbursed in accordance with the Seller's direction and Virginia law.
Prior To The Closing Day
Upon receipt of the signed Sales Contract, Key Title contacts the sellers and buyers to obtain information essential to preparing documents and ordering any loan payoffs and to determine if all parties will be present at settlement. The government land records will be searched to determine what liens and/or judgments encumber the property and takes those steps necessary to ensure that good and marketable title will vest in the new owner. A survey is ordered and reviewed to determine if there are any encroachments on the lot or whether any buildings violate set-back lines or easement areas. Annual tax amounts and whether they are current is verified and communicated to the lender along with a preliminary title report. When the lender provides closing instructions, a HUD-1 Settlement Statement is prepared and the parties meet to sign documents and close the transaction.
On Closing Day
The sellers, purchasers and their respective real estate agents gather at Key Title's offices to approve the settlement statement and sign documents. The real estate agents discuss and appropriately settle any outstanding contract conditions and walk-through inspection items. With lender approval, funds are escrowed as necessary for any discrepancies and as security for any seller rent-back. Keys are passed and the deal is closed.
Post Closing
Once a final "bring-down" title search is completed and legal documents are recorded, Key Title disburses funds to the appropriate parties within the legal time limits. Although the Deed is recorded soon after the closing, government authorities may take as long as six months to return the original document.
