Closing is the last step before your house is finally freakin’ sold! Your closing date is the day you legally transfer ownership of your house to the buyer—and get paid!

There’s no getting around the fact that the week leading up to closing can send your stress level soaring. Between juggling your own move and making sure you leave your home in tip-top shape, the struggle is real. The good news is, you'll get through it.

Here’s how to close the sale and keep a smile on your face.

Expect the Best . . . but Prepare for the Worst

You won’t be able to close the deal until your buyer’s lender finalizes their loan documents—which takes a month or two on average. Sound ridiculous? Well, if you want to save your sanity, get used to the fact that delays will happen. The trick is keeping your head on straight when the unexpected smacks you in the face. Rolling with the punches is a lot easier when your agent is a pro at navigating the home-selling process. A real expert will handle last-minute surprises so you can close with confidence.

Review Your Closing Disclosure

A closing disclosure outlines everything that needs to be paid on closing day. You list-makers out there will be happy to know that buyers aren’t the only ones who get a closing disclosure—sellers get one too. Yours will pretty much be the same as your buyer’s. But pay attention to the parts that show your share of the fees (real estate agent commissions), your mortgage payoff amount and any portion of the buyer’s closing costs you agreed to pay (seller concessions).

Uphold Your End of the Bargain

If you agree to fix something as part of the contract, then do it! Aside from being a legal obligation, it’s just the right thing to do. Also, be sure to leave warranty documents and appliance manuals behind for the next homeowners. And as you make plans to pack up and move out, keep your buyer in the loop. They have stuff to move, too! If you run into a snag, tell your agent so they can prepare the buyer. Sometimes good communication is all it takes to keep everyone happy.

Be Ready for Closing Day

Your closing day to-do list will depend on where you live. Some states do everything electronically while others require in-person signings. Either way, your agent should tell you how to prepare. Here’s a rundown of what sellers can usually expect on closing day:

• What to bring: If you gather around a table for closing, you’ll need your photo ID, the keys to your home, a check for closing costs and other documents depending on your sales agreement.
   
• Where to go: For your closing appointment, you’ll likely meet at the title company’s office. This is where you'll legally transfer ownership of your house to the buyer.
   
• Who will be there: Again, this depends on where you live, but those at your closing appointment might include you (the seller), the buyer, the escrow or closing agent, the attorney (who might also be the closing agent), a title company representative, the mortgage lender and the real estate agents. But if you pre-signed the deed and transfer documents, you probably won’t need to be there.
   
• What to do: Get ready for a John Hancock party! On closing day, you’ll pay any remaining closing costs (you can find this info in your closing disclosure). You’ll also sign the deed and any other documents needed to transfer property ownership.

You now know the best path to take to get all the way to closing day. When you’re ready to get started, partner with an expert real estate agent—like one who's earned the right to be called RamseyTrusted.

For a free way to find a RamseyTrusted agent, try our Endorsed Local Providers (ELP) program. We only recommend agents who have a proven track record of great communication, results and service. Best of all, you can trust these agents to give you the same helpful advice we teach. Why? Because RamseyTrusted agents share our financial values—and yours too.

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