House Closing Process for Sellers: Key Steps and Expert Advice
- Published on
- 8 min read
-
Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
Selling a home can feel like a race on a tightrope. You’re trying to move quickly while maintaining your balance on everything from finances to moving trucks.
Even after you accept an offer, the finish line isn’t quite in sight. So what can you expect in the final stretch of the house closing process for sellers?
We spoke with Jennifer Hupke, a top-rated real estate agent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who sells homes nearly 60% faster than the average local agent. She shares the key steps sellers need to know, common mistakes to avoid, and what a smooth closing day looks like.
The Top 5% of Agents Sell Homes for Up to 10% More
HomeLight analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. Connect with your top agent matches today at no cost.
What is the closing process for a home sale?
The closing process is the period between when you accept a buyer’s offer and when the home officially transfers to them. For sellers, this phase is mostly about tying up loose ends: preparing the house, reviewing documents, and showing up ready on closing day.
Hupke explains that the true finish line is the closing table. “At the closing table, the seller gets the cash, and the buyer gets the keys.” She adds that in Wisconsin, “Buyers can move in on the same day of closing.”
Your buyer’s possession date will depend on the specific terms of the purchase agreement.
During the closing process, sellers are mostly focused on:
- Providing required documents and disclosures
- Responding to any inspection-related requests
- Keeping the home in the agreed-upon condition
- Reviewing and signing final paperwork
- Handing over keys, remotes, and codes on closing day
As you go through this house closing process as a seller, Hupke cautions not to jump the gun. “Utilities need to stay on until the closing date, so don’t shut off the gas, water, or electricity until the deal is officially closed.”
House closing timeline for sellers
The home sale closing process typically takes 30 to 60 days, depending on factors like financing, inspections, and negotiations. According to the latest data from ICE Mortgage Technology, the current national average for a home purchase closing is 41 days.
Here’s an overview of what typically happens between when you accept an offer and your home sale closing day:
- Accept the offer: Once you sign the purchase agreement, the buyer will usually begin or confirm their loan application, schedule an inspection, and arrange for an appraisal.
- Provide disclosures and required paperwork: In most states, sellers are responsible for sharing known information about the home, such as past repairs or defects. Your agent will help guide you through this step.
- Negotiate repairs or credits: After the inspection, the buyer may request repairs or ask for a credit at closing. You’ll decide whether to make the changes, negotiate, or stick with an as-is sale.
- Prepare for the appraisal: Lenders typically require an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. While sellers don’t attend the appraisal, it helps to keep the home clean and accessible.
- Get the home ready for the final walkthrough: Buyers usually do a final walkthrough 1–2 days before closing. Unless otherwise agreed, the home should be clean and empty.
- Attend the closing appointment: On closing day, you’ll sign the final documents and transfer possession of the home. Depending on your location and the terms of the contract, the buyer may receive the keys immediately or shortly after the transaction is complete. This is also typically when the seller gets paid.
For many sellers, the final week of closing and the walkthrough are when they feel the most pressure.
“The biggest complaint we hear during final walkthroughs is when sellers leave items behind that weren’t part of the sale,” Hupke says. “We tell our sellers to ‘do unto others as you would want done to you.’ So make the house presentable. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be left in broom-swept condition.”
As you approach your closing date, it’s easy to start second-guessing or doubting your efforts. This is when the guidance of a top-rated real estate agent can bring peace of mind.
What to bring and do on closing day
On closing day, you’ll sign the final documents, settle any outstanding costs, and hand over keys and access items to the buyer. Here’s what you should bring and do to avoid last-minute issues:
- Bring a valid photo ID: You’ll need this to verify your identity before signing any documents.
- Confirm how you’ll receive your sale proceeds: Ask ahead of time whether funds will be wired to your account or if you’ll receive a check.
- Don’t forget the keys: Bring all house keys, garage remotes, gate clickers, smart home access codes, and mailbox keys.
- Clear out the property: Unless you’ve made other arrangements, the home should be completely vacated and clean.
- Leave behind included items: Fixtures and other negotiated items — such as curtain rods, mounted TV brackets, or smart thermostats — should remain with the home.
“Very often, sellers forget to bring garage door openers or codes to the closing table,” Hupke says. “You’ll also need to bring mailbox keys, if there’s a community mailbox, and anything else in your possession that provides access to the house or involves its operation.”
What to review before you sign
Before you sign the final paperwork, it’s important to carefully review the closing statement — also known as the settlement statement or ALTA statement. This document outlines all the financial details of the transaction.
Key items to double-check:
- Sale price and seller credits
- Your outstanding mortgage balance and payoff amount
- Prorated property taxes and utility charges
- Real estate agent commission
- Any agreed-upon repairs or concessions
- Final amount you’ll receive (net proceeds)
“We get the closing statement out to our sellers upfront so they can review it in advance,” Hupke says of her team. “We want to make sure they fully understand their net proceeds and any deductions, such as commissions, taxes, mortgage payoff, and any code violations.”
If anything seems unclear, such as a line item you don’t recognize, your real estate agent or title company can walk you through it. Don’t sign anything unless you are confident it is correct. In some states, an attorney is required to attend the closing.
If you’re concerned about timing your closing with the purchase of your new home, check out HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program. This modern solution unlocks your equity so you can keep your plans on track. Make a non-contingent offer on your new home and only move once. Watch this short video to learn more.
How much are home seller closing costs?
As you review your closing statement, you’ll see a breakdown of the fees and expenses being deducted from your sale proceeds. If you’re curious about what your seller closing costs might be, try our closing cost calculator below for a ballpark estimate.
Closing day issues and how to handle them
Even with the best preparation, unexpected issues can arise in the final days before closing. Some of the most common include:
- Unpaid utility or tax balances: In some areas, unpaid water bills or prorated taxes can hold up the transaction. Be sure to review the closing statement carefully to see how these are handled.
- Buyer financing delays: If the buyer’s loan approval is late or falls through, closing may be postponed or canceled. Your agent can help you evaluate your options, such as extending the closing date or re-listing the home.
- Final walkthrough problems: If you leave behind items that weren’t included in the sale, or take something that was supposed to stay, the buyer might raise concerns. This could delay closing or result in a last-minute negotiation.
Hupke says most closing day snags and surprises can be avoided from the start if you hire a seasoned real estate agent. “We help our sellers review everything in advance so that there are no surprises at the closing table. We can get ahead of any problems.”
Final tips for a smooth closing
Closings tend to go well when sellers take time to prepare. Here’s what smooth closings often have in common:
- The home is clean, cleared out, and ready for the new owner
- Keys, remotes, and access items are accounted for and labeled
- The seller has reviewed the closing statement in advance
- An experienced agent is overseeing your closing process
As Hupke puts it: “Sellers who review everything in advance with their agents tend to have the smoothest closings.”
If you are making plans for a home sale, HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with a top-rated local agent who will help walk you through each step and keep the process on track — so you can close confidently and move on to what’s next.
Additional free tools to help you plan your home sale:
- Home Value Estimator
- Net Proceeds Calculator
- Agent Commissions Calculator
- Best Time to Sell Calculator
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr / Unsplash)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
