Closing day is finally here! After weeks of searching, negotiating, inspections, appraisals, and paperwork, you're at the finish line.

For many people, closing day is exciting—but it can also be a little overwhelming. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some of my favorite tips to help both buyers and sellers avoid common mistakes and enjoy a smooth closing.

Tips for Buyers

Bring a Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

You'll need an approved photo ID to sign your closing documents. Most title companies accept:

  • State-issued driver's license or ID card
  • Passport
  • Military ID (if accepted by the title company)

💡 Pro Tip from Jacque: Before you head to closing, pull out your driver's license and check the expiration date. If it's expired, it won't fly! A five-second check today could save you a delayed closing tomorrow.

Always Verify Wire Instructions

If you're wiring funds for your closing, never rely solely on an email with wiring instructions.

Wire fraud is unfortunately very common. Before sending any money, call the title company using a trusted phone number to verify the wiring instructions.

That quick phone call could protect one of the largest financial transactions of your life.

Remember: In Texas, You Don't Own the Home Until It's Funded

This surprises many first-time buyers.

Signing the paperwork does not automatically mean you own the home. In Texas, ownership transfers when:

  • Everyone has signed the required documents, and
  • The title company has received all funds and officially funded the transaction.

If someone signs later in the day or there is a delay with funding, you may not receive your keys until later that afternoon—or even the next business day.

Don't schedule movers or expect to move in until your REALTOR® or title company confirms the transaction has funded.

Arrange Your Utilities

Contact the utility companies ahead of time so your electricity, water, gas, internet, and other services are ready once the transaction has funded.

Moving into a new home is much more enjoyable when the lights—and the air conditioning—are already on!

Tips for Sellers

Bring a Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

Sellers also need an approved photo ID to sign closing documents.

💡 Pro Tip from Jacque: Check your ID before closing day. An expired driver's license can delay your closing, and nobody wants that!

Have Your Wiring Information Ready

If you want your proceeds wired, be prepared to provide the title company with your wiring information. Your closer will let you know exactly what information they need.

Keep the Utilities On

Even if you've already moved, leave the utilities on through closing unless instructed otherwise.

The buyer's final walkthrough may include checking lights, plumbing, appliances, air conditioning, and heating. Having utilities available helps ensure everything is working properly.

Completely Empty the Home

Unless you've negotiated a leaseback or another written agreement, the home should be completely vacant before closing.

That includes:

  • Furniture
  • Personal belongings
  • Garage items
  • Attic storage
  • Yard equipment
  • Trash

Once the transaction has funded, the home belongs to the buyer.

Leave the Home Clean

Your contract may not require professional cleaning, but leaving the home in clean condition is always appreciated and helps start the buyer's homeownership journey on the right foot.

Know What Stays With the Home

One of the biggest misunderstandings at closing involves items that "go with the house."

Generally, items attached to the property—such as blinds, curtain rods, light fixtures, ceiling fans, built-in shelving, and mounted mirrors—remain with the home unless the contract specifically says otherwise.

Early in my real estate career, I had sellers remove every curtain and every blind because they assumed they belonged to them. Unfortunately, the contract stated those items conveyed with the property. The buyers requested that the sellers either return them or replace them. In the end, buying new window coverings cost the sellers much more than simply leaving the originals in place.

When you're not sure if something stays or goes, ask your REALTOR® before removing it.

Gather the Keys & Remotes

Before closing, collect everything the new owners will need, including:

  • House keys
  • Mailbox keys
  • Garage door remotes
  • Gate or pool access cards
  • Alarm information (if applicable)
  • Keys to sheds or outbuildings

Many sellers bring all of these items to the title company and keep one house key with them until closing. Others leave everything inside the home and simply bring one key to the closing appointment.

In most Texas transactions, the title company will hold the keys until the sale has funded. Once the funds have been transferred and the transaction is complete, the buyer receives the keys and can officially take possession of the home according to the contract.

A thoughtful extra? Leave appliance manuals, paint color information, warranty paperwork, or neighborhood information in a kitchen drawer for the new owners.

Closing Day Don'ts

❌ Don't arrive with an expired ID.

❌ Don't wire money without first verifying the instructions by phone.

❌ Don't schedule movers before the transaction has funded.

❌ Don't turn off utilities before closing.

❌ Don't remove items that convey with the property.

❌ Don't leave personal belongings or trash behind.

Congratulations!

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading to your dream home, or starting your next chapter, closing day is something to celebrate.

A little planning ahead can help avoid delays, reduce stress, and make the entire process smoother for everyone involved.

My goal is to guide my clients every step of the way—from the first showing to the moment the keys change hands. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW, or anywhere in between, I'd love the opportunity to help.

For all your real estate needs, Get Jacque!

Jacque Swanner, INC Realty
Serving Montgomery • Lake Conroe • DFW & Beyond

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