09/01/2026
🏡 BUYER & SELLER EDUCATION: The Final Steps Before Closing — What Actually Happens?
The final days before closing can come with A LOT of real estate terminology:
“We’re Clear to Close.”
“The closing package was sent to title.”
“Lender and title are balancing.”
“We’re waiting on the final CD.”
“We signed!”
“We funded!”
But what does all of that actually mean?
And the two BIG questions:
🔑 Buyers: When do I get my keys?
💰 Sellers: When do I get my proceeds?
Here’s your Closing 101:
🔹 CLEAR TO CLOSE (CTC)
A BIG milestone! Generally, this means the lender’s underwriting requirements have been satisfied and the loan has received final approval to move toward closing.
But Clear to Close does NOT mean Closed. There are still several steps ahead.
🔹 “THE CLOSING PACKAGE WAS SENT TO TITLE”
The lender prepares the final loan documents and sends the closing package to the title company/settlement agent.
Title then reviews the documents, coordinates final figures and prepares everything needed for signing.
They also have to coordinate everyone’s signing arrangements — including a mobile or online notary when necessary.
So, “sent to title” does not necessarily mean “ready to sign.”
🔹 “LENDER & TITLE ARE BALANCING”
Simply put: the numbers need to match.
Purchase price, loan amount, earnest money, credits, taxes, title charges and other applicable fees all need to be properly accounted for.
If something doesn’t match or needs clarification, lender and title work together to resolve it before the final documents are ready.
🔹 WHAT IS THE CD?
CD stands for Closing Disclosure.
For many financed purchases, the buyer receives a CD showing important final loan terms and closing costs.
READ IT. 👀 Ask questions.
From the real estate side, I also review the applicable figures to make sure negotiated items — such as seller concessions and other agreed-upon credits — appear consistent with the contract and amendments.
Another set of eyes never hurts!
🔹 “WE SIGNED!” ✍️
Exciting! But remember:
Signing ≠ Funding.
Signing means the required closing documents have been signed. There may still be steps before money can officially be disbursed.
🔹 “WE FUNDED!” 💰
Where exactly is that money coming from?
On a financed purchase, there can be money coming from both the buyer and lender.
The buyer may bring funds for their down payment and closing costs, after accounting for things such as earnest money already paid and applicable credits or concessions.
The lender provides the loan proceeds — the money being borrowed to purchase the home.
Title/escrow accounts for those funds.
After signing, the lender may complete a final review and then provide funding authorization and release or authorize the loan proceeds.
Once the required funds and authorization are in place, title can disburse the transaction.
Those funds may be used to:
💰 Pay off the seller’s existing mortgage or other authorized payoffs
💰 Pay applicable closing charges
💰 Pay other amounts reflected on the final settlement documents
💰 Disburse the seller’s remaining proceeds
So when you hear “WE FUNDED!” 🎉, think:
The required money and authorization are in place for title to complete the financial side of the transaction and distribute the funds accordingly.
🔹 BUYERS: “WHEN DO I GET MY KEYS?” 🔑
Not necessarily when you finish signing!
Key release can depend on funding and the possession terms of your contract.
Your REALTOR® and title company will confirm when keys can officially be released.
Give yourself some breathing room when scheduling movers and utility transfers.
🔹 SELLERS: “WHEN DO I GET MY MONEY?” 💵
Once the transaction has funded and title is authorized to disburse, your proceeds are distributed according to the arrangements made with your title company.
Depending on the circumstances, that may include a check, wire transfer or another approved method.
If you’re relying on those proceeds for another purchase or major expense, ask about the process and timing BEFORE closing.
🏡 WHY DOES TIMING MATTER SO MUCH?
Buyers have movers, utilities, leases and possession plans.
Sellers have movers, work schedules and sometimes another home purchase or closing.
Then add a late-day closing, Friday, holiday or busy end-of-month into the equation.
Things can get tight!
Sometimes delays happen despite everyone’s best efforts. Communication and a little flexibility can go a LONG way.
There are a lot of people working behind the scenes to get you from:
Clear to Close ➡️ Closing Package ➡️ Balancing ➡️ CD/Final Figures ➡️ Signing ➡️ Funding ➡️ 🔑 Keys / 💰 Seller Proceeds
So YES — celebrate when you hear “Clear to Close!” 🎉
You’re almost there.
Just remember: Clear to Close doesn’t mean Closed just yet.
Closing isn’t simply an appointment. It’s a process — and a team effort. 🏡❤️
