As a real estate agent in the MetroWest Boston Massachusetts area, I’ve found that one of the biggest questions my clients have is: “What really happens at closing?” In this article, I’ll take you step by step through what really happens in the closing process. By the end of this article, the closing process should no longer be a mystery to you.

The Closing
The closing is when the seller, the buyer and all other parties involve meet to finalize all the documents in the sale. The seller signs the deed of the house over to the buyer and the buyer pays the price agreed in the contract.

Documentation
The seller also provides any other documentation necessary to the buyer. This can include insurance papers, evidence of title, inspection reports (including any needed repairs) and so on.

Title Insurance
Title insurance is also paid at closing. Title insurance is an insurance that assures your title is clean. You pay to have a public records search conducted and once you get a clean bill of approval, the title is considered clean. If any contradictory records come up later, you are covered by title insurance. This can save you big time - for example, if the sellers mortgage company fails to discharge the sellers mortgage(s).

Escrow
Often times closing is done through escrow with a title company. Closing through escrow means that the sale is done through a third party that has no financial interest in the sale.  This helps assure the safety of both parties by having the third party sign off on the sale once both sides have fulfilled their respective responsibilities.

At the End of Closing
Several other things also happen during the closing process:

Commissions for real estate agents are also paid during closing.
Legal documents are recorded. This is the final step to the closing process.
The buyer receives the keys to the home (NOTE: this could happen the next business day after the closing if the closing happens too late to record the deed that day.)

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house in the MetroWest Boston Massachusetts area, talking with a qualified and experienced real estate agent can help you save thousands of dollars and weeks of time. If you’re not already working with an agent you’re satisfied with, feel free to give me a call at or send me an email at Jim@JimByler.com for a free consultation.

For more information about Boston MetroWest real estate please visit Jim Byler's MetroWest MA homeTEAM Real Estate information Website.

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 Tags: MetroWest Boston Massachusetts Real Estate

Article's Author

Jim Byler
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Northborough, MA

Contact Jim Byler