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What Happens on Closing Day? 🤔

Closing is the last step in a lengthy process that finalizes a real estate sale. The time between signing a purchase and sale agreement and reaching the closing table can take a few weeks. For homebuyers, Closing is the day they officially take ownership of the property and receive the keys. For sellers, Closing is the day the sale becomes final, and they receive proceeds.


On Closing day, buyer and seller sign the paperwork to finalize the deal and record it with the County. A title representative and real estate agents are usually in attendance. While the closing is always handled by a single title company, for convenience and privacy, it is most common for buyers and seller to close on the same day, at different times, and sometimes at a different branch offices. At least three days before closing, buyer and seller should make confirmed appointments so the escrow officer can reserve time, plan ahead, and finalize paperwork. 


Paperwork to Expect to Sign


At Closing, both the seller and the buyer will have lots of important documents to sign including a bill of sale, deed, closing statement, and certificate of title. The seller may have a mortgage payoff agreement to sign. Buyers financing their home purchase will have lender paperwork including a loan estimate, closing disclosure, initial escrow statement, mortgage note, mortgage deed of trust, and for new builds a certificate of occupancy.


What to Bring With You

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Both parties should bring a valid photo ID and be accompanied by professional representation (an agent or attorney). Sellers should bring their banking information to provide wiring instructions, any required documentation confirming completion of inspection-related repairs, a key for the buyer, and the lockbox to return to their agent. Buyers should arrive prepared with “good funds” to cover closing costs and cash-to-close, typically delivered via wire transfer from their bank to the title company. If a rent-back agreement is in place, both buyer and seller should also exchange contact information to allow for communication between closing and possession.

Final Walk-Through and Verification of Condition​ by the Buyer

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In Colorado, buyers have the right to conduct a final walk-through to confirm that the property’s condition complies with the contract. Buyers should schedule this walk-through as close to Closing as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

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Because conditions can change between inspection and Closing, buyers must verify that all agreed-upon repairs have been completed. The final walk-through also allows buyers to confirm that the property meets contract requirements, check for any new urgent issues—such as frozen pipes or water damage—and ensure that all seller personal property has been removed.

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The buyer is solely responsible for confirming that the property is in satisfactory condition prior to Closing; this responsibility cannot be delegated to their agent, even though the agent is present. If the buyer cannot attend in person, they should appoint an authorized personal representative to conduct the walk-through for them, and use video calling whenever possible to remain actively involved in this critical step.

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