The 10-Day Countdown: A Massachusetts Home Buyer's & Seller's Guide to Closing
Closing day is exciting—but the final 10 days before you receive (or hand over) the keys are some of the most important in the entire home-buying and selling process.
Whether you're purchasing your first home or selling one you've owned for years, here's what typically happens during the final countdown—and what you can do to help everything go smoothly.
10 Days Before Closing: Final Details Begin Coming Together
By this point, your lender, REALTOR®, and closing attorney are working behind the scenes to prepare for closing.
For buyers, this is a good time to:
Avoid making large purchases or opening new lines of credit.
Respond quickly to any lender requests.
Confirm your homeowners insurance is in place.
For sellers, it's time to:
Begin packing if you haven't already.
Gather all keys, garage door openers, and appliance manuals.
Confirm your moving schedule.
7 Days Before Closing: Your Mortgage Should Be Near Final Approval
Your lender may still request a few final documents before issuing clear-to-close.
These might include:
Updated pay stubs
Recent bank statements
Employment verification
Proof of homeowners insurance
Responding quickly helps keep your closing on schedule.
5 Days Before Closing: Review Your Closing Costs
Buyers should carefully review their Closing Disclosure, which outlines:
Purchase price
Loan terms
Closing costs
Cash needed at closing
Escrow and prepaid expenses
Take time to compare the numbers with your Loan Estimate and ask questions before closing day.
Sellers should also review any settlement information provided by their closing attorney to understand estimated proceeds and any adjustments.
3 Days Before Closing: Complete the Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through is your opportunity to make sure the home is in the condition you expected.
Buyers should verify:
Agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
Appliances and fixtures included in the sale remain.
The property is in substantially the same condition as when the offer was accepted.
No new damage has occurred before closing.
If something doesn't look right, notify your REALTOR® immediately so there is time to address the issue before closing.
1 Day Before Closing: Protect Yourself from Wire Fraud
Real estate wire fraud continues to target homebuyers across the country.
If you're wiring funds for closing:
Never rely solely on emailed wire instructions.
Call your closing attorney's office using a trusted phone number to verify wiring instructions.
Be cautious of last-minute emails requesting changes to payment information.
A quick phone call can help prevent a costly mistake.
Closing Day: You're Almost There
On closing day, buyers and sellers will sign the documents needed to transfer ownership of the property.
Buyers Should Bring:
Government-issued photo ID
Confirmation of your wire transfer (if applicable)
Any documents requested by your lender or attorney
Sellers Should Bring:
Government-issued photo ID
All keys, garage door openers, mailbox keys, and access devices
Any requested paperwork
Your Massachusetts closing attorney will review the documents, answer questions, coordinate the transfer of funds, and oversee the recording of the deed.
A Few Final Tips
The smoothest closings usually have one thing in common: communication.
Stay in close contact with your REALTOR®, lender, and attorney during the final week. If you're asked for additional information, respond promptly. Small delays in paperwork can sometimes create bigger delays at the closing table.
Most importantly, avoid making major financial changes until after your transaction is complete. Even something as simple as financing new furniture before closing could affect your loan approval.
Congratulations!
The final days before closing can feel like a whirlwind, but they're also the finish line. With a little preparation and the right team guiding you through the process, you'll be well on your way to a successful closing and the next chapter in your homeownership journey.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or real estate advice. Every real estate transaction is unique, and timelines, legal requirements, and lender procedures may vary. Buyers and sellers should consult with their REALTOR®, lender, and a qualified Massachusetts real estate attorney regarding their specific transaction. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
