The 10-Day Countdown: What Should Happen Before Closing

For REALTORS® and mortgage professionals, the days leading up to closing are often the busiest—and the most important. A smooth closing doesn't happen by chance. It's the result of careful coordination between the buyer, seller, lender, real estate agents, and closing attorney.

Use this simple timeline as a checklist to help keep every transaction on track.

10 Days Before Closing: Confirm Title Is Clear

Your closing attorney should be well into the title examination process. This is the time to identify and resolve any issues that could delay closing, including:

• Outstanding liens or judgments

• Missing or incorrect deeds

• Probate or estate matters

• Easements or encroachments

• Municipal lien certificates, where applicable

Pro Tip: If the property has changed ownership recently or is part of an estate or trust, bringing the attorney into the transaction early can help prevent last-minute surprises.

7 Days Before Closing: Clear Mortgage Conditions

By one week out, the lender should be working toward final loan approval.

Common items still needing attention may include:

• Updated pay stubs or bank statements

• Homeowners insurance information

• Final appraisal conditions

• Employment verification

• Outstanding underwriting requests

The faster these items are completed, the smoother the final week becomes.

5 Days Before Closing: Review the Closing Disclosure

Federal regulations require buyers to receive their Closing Disclosure before consummating the loan, giving them time to review the final numbers.

This is an excellent opportunity for buyers to:

• Compare the Closing Disclosure to their Loan Estimate

• Review cash needed at closing

• Verify names, property address, and loan terms

• Ask questions before closing day

Addressing questions now helps avoid unnecessary delays at the closing table.

3 Days Before Closing: Schedule the Final Walk-Through

The final walk-through is more than a quick look around the property.

Buyers should confirm that:

• Agreed-upon repairs have been completed

• Appliances and included fixtures remain

• The property is in substantially the same condition as when the offer was accepted

• No unexpected damage has occurred before closing

If any concerns arise, notifying the attorney and agents immediately gives everyone time to work toward a resolution.

1 Day Before Closing: Verify Wire Instructions

Unfortunately, wire fraud continues to target real estate transactions.

Buyers should never send funds based solely on emailed wire instructions.

Instead:

• Confirm wiring instructions by calling the attorney's office using a trusted phone number.

• Never rely on phone numbers or links included in suspicious emails.

• If anything looks unusual, stop and verify before sending funds.

A five-minute phone call can prevent a costly mistake.

Closing Day: Arrive Prepared

Closing day is exciting—and much easier when everyone knows what to bring.

Buyers should bring:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Certified funds or confirmation that a wire has been received (if applicable)

• Any lender-requested documentation

Sellers should bring:

• Government-issued photo ID

• House keys, garage door openers, and access devices

• Any documents requested by the closing attorney

Your attorney will guide both parties through the documents, answer any remaining questions, and coordinate the recording of the deed and transfer of ownership.

The Bottom Line

The final 10 days before closing can move quickly, but good communication keeps everyone on the same page. REALTORS®, lenders, and attorneys each play an important role in helping buyers and sellers reach the closing table with confidence.

When questions arise, addressing them early almost always leads to a smoother transaction.

Need assistance with an upcoming closing? Our team works closely with REALTORS®, lenders, buyers, and sellers throughout Massachusetts to help ensure every transaction is handled efficiently—from contract to closing.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every real estate transaction is unique, and timelines, requirements, and legal obligations may vary based on the specific circumstances of the transaction. Readers should consult with a qualified Massachusetts real estate attorney regarding their particular situation. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.