Before You Wire the Money: A Massachusetts Buyer's Final 24 Hours
You’re almost home. Before you wire funds, sign documents, or pick up the keys, take a moment to confirm the details that protect your purchase.
The boxes may be packed and the moving truck reserved. But the final day before closing deserves your full attention.
You’re preparing to sign binding documents, transfer a substantial amount of money, and take ownership of real property. A few careful checks now can help you identify problems before the transaction is complete.
Is That Wiring Email Real?
An email can look familiar and still be fraudulent. It may include your attorney’s name, your property address, or even appear within an existing email conversation.
Then comes the message: “Our wiring information has changed.”
Stop before sending money. Don’t reply to the message or call the number it provides. Contact the closing attorney’s office using a phone number you already know is legitimate, and independently verify the instructions.
Make the Walk-Through Count.
The final walk-through is more than one last look at your future home. It’s your opportunity to check whether the property is in the condition the parties agreed upon.
- Have the agreed repairs been completed?
- Is there any new damage?
- Are the appliances and other agreed items still present?
- Have belongings and debris that were supposed to be removed been cleared?
- Does the property’s condition match the agreement?
If something is materially wrong, contact your attorney before closing. Your attorney can explain your options under the contract and help determine how the issue should be addressed.
Does Your Cash to Close Make Sense?
Seeing the numbers earlier in the process doesn’t mean you can stop checking them now. Review your closing statement and, if applicable, your Closing Disclosure.
Look carefully at the purchase price, deposit credit, loan amount, interest rate, taxes, insurance, fees, recording charges, seller credits, and adjustments.
An unfamiliar fee? Ask. A missing credit? Ask. A cash-to-close amount that is substantially different from what you expected? Ask for an explanation before sending funds.
Are Financing and Insurance Ready?
A preapproval is an important milestone, but it isn’t a completed loan. Confirm your lender’s closing requirements have been met and remain responsive to requests right through closing.
Avoid unexpected financial moves, and promptly tell your lender about any change in employment, credit, debt, or finances. Don’t assume a change is too small to matter.
Check your homeowners insurance, too. For financed purchases, lenders generally require coverage. Confirm the required effective date and make sure any necessary documentation has reached your lender or closing attorney.
What’s Actually Staying With the House?
The refrigerator. The chandelier. The wall-mounted television. Seeing something during a showing doesn’t necessarily mean it is included in the sale.
Review the purchase and sale agreement and any related written terms with your attorney. Important promises about included items should be documented, rather than left to memory.
If an agreed item is missing—or unwanted property has been left behind—raise the issue before closing. What you remember discussing and what the written agreement provides may differ.
Know What You’re Signing—and How You’ll Hold Title.
Title review addresses legal ownership and matters that may affect the seller’s ability to convey the title required by your agreement.
It serves a different purpose from a home inspection. An inspection evaluates physical conditions; title review addresses legal matters such as recorded easements.
Also confirm whose names will appear on the deed and how ownership will be held. This deserves particular attention when buying with a spouse, unmarried partner, family member, or trust.
The form of ownership can affect your rights and what happens after an owner’s death. Discuss these questions with your attorney before the documents are finalized.
Everyone Is Ready. Are You?
If you don’t understand a document, ask for an explanation. If a name, amount, or term looks wrong, say so before signing.
You aren’t inconveniencing anyone by understanding your obligations. The closing documents deserve your attention, even when the schedule feels tight.
When Can You Actually Move In?
Don’t assume signing the last page means you can immediately take possession.
Follow your closing attorney’s instructions on when the transaction is complete and when possession is permitted under your agreement. Wait for confirmation before moving in or beginning work at the property.
Almost Home? Let’s Check the Details.
At Heine Goodale Law, our team guides buyers through the final steps of a Massachusetts purchase—from questions about wire verification and walk-through concerns to reviewing documents at the closing table.
Heading into a closing and want the details checked before you wire funds? Contact our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I verify wire instructions before closing?
Call the closing attorney’s office using a phone number you already know is legitimate. Independently verify the instructions before sending funds. Don’t rely solely on an email or a phone number supplied in a message announcing a change.
What should I check during the final walk-through?
Check the property’s agreed condition, completion of repairs, any new damage, the presence of included items, and removal of belongings that were supposed to go. Tell your attorney about material concerns before closing.
Does mortgage preapproval mean my loan is ready to fund?
No. Preapproval is an earlier step. Confirm with your lender that closing requirements have been satisfied, respond to outstanding requests, and disclose relevant financial changes before closing.
Should I confirm how ownership will appear on the deed?
Yes. Confirm the names and form of ownership with your attorney before documents are finalized. This is especially important when multiple people or a trust will own the property.
What role does an attorney play in a Massachusetts closing?
Massachusetts reserves important closing and title-related legal functions to attorneys. Your attorney can explain the requirements applicable to your transaction, review title and documents, and guide you through completion.
