After spending months of searching for the perfect home and negotiating and entering into a Real Estate Contract to purchase, you are now ready to attend the real estate closing. But what exactly happens at the closing? 

 

In Florida, there are two different types of residential closings. The parties may appear at a face-to-face closing, or the closing occurs as a mail away, where there is no need for the parties to be present. 

 

At the face-to-face closing, the Buyer, Buyer’s Agent, Seller, Seller’s Agent, and the Closing Agent are all present.

 

In a mail away closing, there are several steps. First, the Buyer and Seller sign their respective closing documents in the presence of a notary public in advance of the closing date. Second, both parties send their fully executed closing documents to the Closing Agent for final review. Finally, if all of the closing documents are in order, the Closing Agent disburses the sale proceeds. 

 

The closing is a critical time because the Seller will receive the proceeds from the sale of the real property, and the Buyer gets the keys to the real property. However, before that exchange of money and keys at the closing, the parties will sign various documents such as an Owner’s Affidavit, HUD Settlement Statement, Closing Agreement, and a Deed. Additionally, if the Buyer obtains financing from a lender, then the Buyer will have to sign additional closing documents such as a Mortgage, Note, and other documents that will be prepared by the lender and sent to the Closing Agent.   

 

Since a residential closing requires the signatures from the Seller and Buyer on lots of documents, both the Seller and Buyer should take their time before closing to ensure that they fully understand what they are signing. Buyers and Sellers should not feel pressured during the closing. If you have questions or concerns regarding any of your closing documents, ASK QUESTIONS!!! DO NOT sign anything until you address all of your questions or concerns to your satisfaction. 

 

We understand that a residential closing may be stressful, especially for a first-time homebuyer. However, having an attorney review the closing documents before closing, answering and addressing any concerns you may have, and attending the closing may save you stress, time, and trouble. Therefore, please contact Kimberly M. Soto at 321.972.2279 so she can further advise you of any concerns you may have regarding your residential closing. 

 

The Soto Law Office, P.A. is conveniently located in Altamonte Springs, Florida, near I-4, and proudly serves Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.