Closing Documents for Buyers: 15 Closing Documents to Bring, See, Sign

Closing documents for buyers: The basics

Closing on a home comes with a stack of paperwork, and as a buyer, you’ll be signing and reviewing a lot. Knowing what types of documents you need ahead of time can save headaches and keep the process moving smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials you’ll encounter on closing day.

1. Photo identification

The most obvious document you need to have is a valid photo identification. You need to prove your identity because you will be signing several documents, namely the title and loan documents, which need to be notarized. You can use your state-issued driver’s license (or identification-only card) or your passport.

Emeric Szalay, a top-selling real estate agent in Indiana who works with 78% more single-family homes than the average agent in his area, shares: “We’ve had closings that have stopped right in the middle of closing because the buyer had an expired driver’s license. They had to run over to the DMV to get it updated and then bring it back.”

2. Cashier’s check (or wire transfer)

A cashier’s check is the next most important thing you need to bring with you. Otherwise, the deal won’t move forward. This piece of paper shows that you have the funds to cover the down payment, closing costs, prepaid interest, taxes, and insurance.

However, most buyers pay by wire transfer. Often, writing a check isn’t an option.

“Every transaction is going to be a little different. In Indiana, if it’s under $10,000, the buyer can bring a certified check made out to the title company. However, if it’s over $10,000, the money has to be wired directly to the title company,” Szalay explains.

3. Proof of homeowner’s insurance

Lenders will need to see proof of homeowner’s insurance that’s current. Many lenders require that you pay for a year-long policy upfront, and it should be in good standing before they grant you the loan.

The amount of coverage you’ll need will vary depending on your situation. Still, at the bare minimum, lenders will require dwelling coverage in the amount needed to repair any structural damage or cost to replace the home in its entirety.

You can get a copy of your policy declaration at least a few days before closing by calling the insurance company and asking them to fax it to your lender.

4. Closing Disclosure

The Closing Disclosure is a document from your lender that breaks down the terms of the loan and your closing costs. You should receive a copy of the Closing Disclosure three days before closing so that you can review the terms of the mortgage.

You’ll also need this document when you get the cashier’s check or make the wire transfer because it will note the exact amount you’ll need to bring on closing day.

Closing documents for buyers: The big ones

Beyond the basics, you’ll be signing papers that lock in your home loan, confirm the property’s condition, and officially transfer ownership. Each one matters, so it’s worth knowing what you’re signing. Being prepared ahead of time makes closing day smoother and way less stressful.

5. Loan application

This is pretty straightforward — you’re going to review the original mortgage application, and you’ll sign it. This document is your acknowledgment that you understand the terms of the loan and your financial responsibility to repay it.

6. Title documents

The title document gives you a list of every previous owner, and it will make sure there aren’t any liens or ownership claims on the property. If you purchased title insurance, it would be in here, too.

“Title insurance ensures the fact that there isn’t a lien on the property. If someone puts a lien on the property on the day of closing, and the title company missed it, the buyer is going to be liable for those debts,” if they haven’t secured title insurance, Szalay explains.

If there are any problems with the title review, the title company will try to resolve them. There are some instances where the buyer’s agent will work with the seller’s agent to get the seller to pay their debts so the purchase can go through. Sometimes, however, if the problems are big enough, the whole deal may fall through.

7. Mortgage or deed of trust

A mortgage or deed of trust is a legal document that ties your home to your loan and protects the lender’s investment. It gives the lender the right to initiate foreclosure if you fail to make payments.

A mortgage involves two parties, the borrower and the lender, while a deed of trust adds a neutral third-party trustee who holds the title until the loan is paid. Both ensure the lender can reclaim the home through foreclosure if the loan isn’t repaid.

8. Deed

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might think a deed and a title are the same thing — they are proof that you own the property. You’re not entirely wrong, but there is a difference.

A deed is a physical document that provides a description of the property and identifies the seller and the buyer. On the other hand, the title gives someone the legal right to own and sell the property.

Note: You will receive an updated deed after closing, once it’s been filed with the county.

9. Affidavit of title

The seller provides a sworn statement called an affidavit of title, which says they have the legal right to sell the property and that they hold the title for that property. It also shows that the seller swears the facts about their property are correct, that there aren’t any liens on the property, there aren’t any outstanding tax bills, and that another party is not selling it.

10. Riders

Riders are extra documents added to your home purchase contract that spell out details not fully covered in the main agreement. They’re like “add-ons” that make the deal fit your specific situation, such as contingencies for financing, inspections, repairs, or timing. Riders help protect your interests by making sure important terms are clear and agreed upon.

If a rider conflicts with the main contract, the rider usually takes priority, so it’s important to read them carefully before signing. They’re common in real estate because every home sale has unique details that a standard contract can’t cover.

11. Buyer repair requests

The sales contract should have a home inspection contingency that outlines the options both the seller and buyer have regarding repairs. If the home inspection shows significant problems with the house that need repairing, the buyer can submit a buyer repair request and add an addendum to the contract.

The seller can agree or refuse to make the repairs, negotiate to lower the asking price so the buyer can make the repairs themselves, or both parties can agree to other arrangements.

At closing, you’ll want to double-check to make sure the seller has (or will) honor the agreement as stated in an addendum.

12. Transfer tax declaration

The transfer tax declaration is a tax on the changing of ownership in real estate. This tax is generally equal to a percentage of the sales price of the home.

The party responsible for paying this tax and what it is referred to — “stamp tax” or “excise tax” in some states — depends on the property’s location, but in most instances, either the buyer or seller can agree to pay it, although not every state will require this tax. Who’s responsible for paying the tax is usually part of the negotiation process before closing.

13. Escrow disclosure

If your lender is establishing an “impound” or “escrow” account to withhold part of your monthly payment to pay your property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, you’ll typically have to sign an escrow disclosure.

Escrow accounts are generally required on most loan types if you are putting less than 20% downpayment. The escrow disclosure will break down the yearly cost into 12 monthly payments, and at the end of the year, the tax and insurance bills are paid from the escrow account.

You usually don’t have to have an escrow account set up if you are making a downpayment of more than 20%, but if you don’t want to pay your homeowners’ insurance or taxes in a lump sum every year, then you might want to ask about getting one established for those expenses.

Note: You will receive a more detailed escrow disclosure statement after closing.

14. Certificate of occupancy

A certificate of occupancy (or CO) states that the home is safe to live in. This document is issued to homeowners of a new construction home, or if the home will be used as a rental or investment property.

The CO explains what the property will be used for, if the home is structurally sound, and whether it complies with all local building codes.

15. Bill of sale

The bill of sale is a legal document that confirms the property has been sold or transferred from one person to another. This legally binding document goes over the transaction details (if the seller will include or exclude items in the sale, the terms of the sale, and so on) and is used to protect either the buyer or seller if there are any issues down the road.

How to review closing documents before closing day (What to check and why)

Reviewing your closing documents ahead of time helps you avoid last-minute surprises, costly errors, and delays at the closing table. Taking a careful look allows you to confirm that the numbers, terms, and legal details match what you agreed to before you sign anything final.

If something doesn’t look right, flag it immediately and ask your lender or agent for clarification. Reviewing your documents early gives you time to resolve issues calmly—so closing day stays smooth and stress-free.

Closing On a House? Here's a Checklist to Keep You Organized

Closing on a house can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Keep track of where you are in the process, what you still need to do, and how long it will take with our checklist.

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Final step before the keys are yours

Here you are, at the precipice of getting the keys to your new home and starting a new chapter in life. But before you can start loading the moving van, you’ve got to make it through closing day.

You’re going to review and sign a lot of documents, and while it may be overwhelming thinking about the stacks of papers you’re going to see and sign, just remember that this is the very last step!

Make sure you have all of the required closing documents for buyers all ready to go because you don’t want anything to cause a delay on your big (closing) day.

Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent can make this process far less stressful, as they’ll walk you through each document and flag issues before they become problems. Work with a top-performing agent to close confidently and get the keys to your new home without unnecessary delays.

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