What is a Closing Disclosure?

It's the final five-page statement of your loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs. You must receive it at least three business days before closing so you can compare it to your Loan Estimate and review the numbers.

How do I pay my cash-to-close?

Usually by wire transfer or cashier's check. Confirm the exact amount and instructions by calling your settlement agent at a known number — never trust wiring details sent only by email, which is a common fraud tactic.

Can my loan still fall through at closing?

It can if your financial situation changes. Avoid new debt, large purchases, or job changes before closing, and respond to any final lender requests, since lenders may re-verify employment and credit right up to funding.

Phase 6 of 8

Closing

Sign, fund, and get the keys — with no last-minute surprises.

Closing — also called settlement — is the finish line where ownership transfers to you. After your clear-to-close, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure, review final numbers, conduct a final walkthrough, and sign the paperwork that makes the home yours. With preparation, closing day is a celebration rather than a scramble.

The biggest keys to a smooth closing are reviewing your Closing Disclosure carefully, arranging your cash-to-close correctly, and avoiding any financial moves that could jeopardize the loan in the final stretch.

Review your Closing Disclosure

By law, you must receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Compare it against your original Loan Estimate: your interest rate, loan terms, and monthly payment should match, and closing costs should be in line with what you were quoted. Certain fees can only increase within strict limits. Use this three-day window to question anything unexpected — it exists specifically to protect you from surprises.

Arrange your cash-to-close

Your cash-to-close is the down payment plus closing costs minus any credits or earnest money already paid. These funds generally must arrive by wire transfer or cashier's check — personal checks are usually not accepted. Confirm the exact amount and wiring instructions directly with your settlement agent by phone, and beware of wire-fraud scams: criminals send fake instructions, so always verify with a known phone number before sending money.

Final walkthrough and signing

Just before closing, you'll do a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the agreed condition, repairs were completed, and nothing was damaged during move-out. At the signing, you'll sign the promissory note, mortgage or deed of trust, and closing statement. Once documents are signed and the loan funds, the deed is recorded and the keys are yours. Bring a government-issued ID and your verified funds.

Your closing checklist

Review the Closing Disclosure against your Loan Estimate.
Verify the exact cash-to-close amount and secure wiring instructions by phone.
Complete a final walkthrough of the property.
Bring a government-issued photo ID to the signing.
Confirm homeowners insurance is active as of closing day.
Keep your finances unchanged until the loan funds.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Closing Disclosure?: It's the final five-page statement of your loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs. You must receive it at least three business days before closing so you can compare it to your Loan Estimate and review the numbers.
How do I pay my cash-to-close?: Usually by wire transfer or cashier's check. Confirm the exact amount and instructions by calling your settlement agent at a known number — never trust wiring details sent only by email, which is a common fraud tactic.
Can my loan still fall through at closing?: It can if your financial situation changes. Avoid new debt, large purchases, or job changes before closing, and respond to any final lender requests, since lenders may re-verify employment and credit right up to funding.