What to expect at Closing

[rangergirl]

I am supposed to close on 7/9 (assuming underwriting and conditions go smoothly).  Can anyone tell me what to expect at closing?

[llecs]

Expect writer's cramp.

IME, we sat down. The seller was there with their agent, and DIL. We also had our agent there, as was our banker. And there were a couple of others in the room representing the Title company, one of which moderated the proceedings. It was our first so we didn't know what to expect either. The seller's side was first, which includes both of us signing the appropriate docs and contracts. Then the seller settled with their lender via docs they had sent over and the Title company explained the process to them with regards to settling their loan. So for the first-half, we mostly twiddled our thumbs, drank free sodas, and chatted with the seller about this and that, traded info, talked politics and religion, etc.

After the seller was taken care of, she handed us the house keys, and was dismissed out of the room with her crew. Then we were in there signing the rest of our life away. They said to prepare for 2 hours, but it took longer. I had taken a semester of contract law at a major law school and the things learned scared me. I thoroughly read everything in great detail before signing it, and asked questions if I didn't understand. Many of the docs I signed at closing I had already signed prior to going into underwriting, so some were a breeze. The final tidbit was to review the math of what was paid, and they said we overpaid by a thousand and told us to stop by the office the next day to grab a check from them. But it went very smoothly, much of which I owe thanks to the folks on here. I felt like a pro from mortgage app to closing.

BTW, from what I understand, YMMV based on state, so the above may not apply just like that.

[Anonymous]

Is it true you have to sign your complete legal name (first, middle, last) in a ledgible fashion?

I don't know it I can do that, quite literally!

[JM-AM]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Is it true you have to sign your complete legal name (first, middle, last) in a ledgible fashion?

I don't know it I can do that, quite literally!

---

I have been signing my name in an unlegible fashion for years. I have just become accustomed to printing my name next to my signature and dating.

My middle name and or middle initial is never included in my signature as I never use or include my middle name and or middle initial. I do not even have a government issued (drivers license, passport, social security card, etc etc) that includes my middle name and or initial.

I think as far as how you sign any legal document it must match how your name is stated in the legal document. Which would mean if the contract has your middle name and or middle initial your signature must also include it. I would check with a legal professional before I would accept my opinion or any one elses opinion on your legal signature.

[pizzadude]

One thing that you could consider if you are using an attorney is letting him/her do all the signing via POA at closing for you.    That way you don't even have to show up. 

I did this once, when I was dealing with a VERY difficult buyer.   It turned out to be money well spent, as it ended up saving me a lot of frustration and time;  the buyer complained, argued, and dragged his feet.....dragging out the closing almost a full day.  

[JusdoNit]

---

@pizzadude wrote:

One thing that you could consider if you are using an attorney is letting him/her do all the signing via POA at closing for you.    That way you don't even have to show up. 

I did this once, when I was dealing with a VERY difficult buyer.   It turned out to be money well spent, as it ended up saving me a lot of frustration and time;  the buyer complained, argued, and dragged his feet.....dragging out the closing almost a full day.  

---

Good idea; as I am about fed up with the process. 

[rangergirl]

Thank you!  At least now I know what to expect.