Buying
Closing Week: Protect Your Money and Finish Strong
Review documents, confirm repairs, and verify payment instructions safely.
Use the final week intentionally
Once closing is scheduled, it is tempting to focus entirely on moving boxes. Keep time available for document review, lender requests, and the final walkthrough. Ask your agent and settlement team for a written schedule identifying what is still outstanding. A scheduled closing does not mean every condition has been satisfied. Respond promptly, but verify unusual requests before sending money or personal information.
Read the Closing Disclosure
For covered mortgages, the Closing Disclosure is provided at least three business days before closing. Compare it with your most recent Loan Estimate. Check the borrower and property information, loan terms, payment, credits, and cash to close. Ask about unexplained differences immediately. The principal-and-interest amount is not the full cost of ownership, so identify taxes, insurance, association charges, and anything you must pay separately.
Protect the funds
Mortgage closing scams can involve convincing emails or messages with false payment instructions. Independently confirm instructions with your settlement agent using a trusted phone number obtained earlier, rather than one supplied in a new message. Treat sudden changes as a reason to stop and verify. Never rely solely on an email reply to validate wiring information. If money is sent to a suspected fraudster, contact your bank immediately and report it promptly.
Walk through with the agreement in hand
Arrange the final walkthrough under your contract. Review the property’s condition, agreed repairs, included items, and any new concerns. Bring the repair agreement and relevant documentation. Raise unresolved issues before signing and funding; do not assume a verbal promise will be easy to enforce later. Ask your agent or attorney how any remaining obligation should be documented.
Confirm when you can move in
Signing papers, funding, recording, and possession are related but may occur at different times. Confirm the actual key-release and possession arrangements before scheduling movers or shutting off services. Arrange insurance and utilities for the appropriate dates, and keep copies of closing documents securely. A clear final plan helps protect both your money and your first day in the home.
General educational information, current as of publication. Loan requirements, property conditions, and contract rights vary. Confirm details with your lender, insurer, agent, or attorney as appropriate.