What Happens at Closing?

September 29, 2026    

Buying or selling a home is a team effort. Throughout the title and escrow process, you'll work with several professionals who each play a unique role in helping your transaction run smoothly.

Ticor Title provides title and escrow services throughout King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties. Here is an overview of the closing process, from the purchase agreement to recording and disbursement.

How does the closing process begin?

The purchase and sale agreement and earnest money deposit are delivered to escrow. Escrow reviews the agreement for conditions and requirements to close, and orders and reviews the preliminary title report.

Escrow establishes communication with the buyer's lender, if any. The team reviews the title report, including ownership, loans to be paid off, property taxes, liens and judgments. The preliminary title report is delivered to the parties for review.

When do I deposit funds for closing?

Your closing funds, including the remaining down payment and closing costs, are deposited into escrow shortly before closing, often a day or two in advance.

Pay close attention to the timelines in your purchase agreement and escrow instructions. Confirm with your escrow officer when and how to send funds, and allow time for processing. Always verify wiring instructions directly with your escrow holder to avoid wire fraud.

When do I sign closing documents?

Escrow confirms the closing date and prepares documents after loan documents arrive from the lender, if any. Escrow then schedules signing appointments for the buyer and seller.

Your escrow officer or agent will schedule a time for you to sign your final loan papers. Your loan officer or real estate agent can guide you through any lender-specific requirements.

For sellers, the escrow officer schedules a signing appointment, typically a few days before closing. Sellers sign the grant deed, escrow instructions and other required documents.

What should I bring to signing?

• Items to confirm with your escrow officer include:
• Valid photo identification, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID.
• Any outstanding documents requested by escrow or your agent.
• Bank information for wire transfer of seller proceeds, if applicable.
• The required funds, delivery method and deadline for your transaction.

What happens after signing?

Escrow returns signed loan documents to the lender. The lender reviews them and, once approved, funds the loan. After funding, escrow works with the title company to officially close the transaction.

Documents are recorded in the County Records Office, and escrow is closed. Escrow disburses funds, including seller proceeds, broker commissions, loans to be paid off and other required invoices.

Sellers receive a final settlement statement from escrow showing all debits and credits. Funds are disbursed by wire transfer or check, depending on the recipient's preference and the escrow company's procedures.

When will I get the keys?

Keys are generally given as indicated in the purchase and sale agreement, usually after the transaction has closed and recorded. The agreement states when access is granted. The buyer receives keys from their real estate broker.

Contact your local Ticor team

From open to close, our team is dedicated to providing clear communication, personalized service and consistency with every escrow transaction. For questions about an upcoming closing in King, Snohomish, Pierce or Kitsap County, contact your local Ticor team to learn more.