What Is the Title Company Doing Before Closing Day?

By Tabitha King and Katelyn Seng, Authority Title & Escrow

When you’re buying or selling a home, closing day gets all the attention. You sign the papers, exchange the keys, and celebrate. But much of our work happens before anyone sits down at the closing table.

It Starts With the Property’s Title

One of the first things we do is review the property’s title history. In simple terms, we’re checking who owns the property and looking for anything that may need to be addressed before ownership changes hands.

That might include an existing mortgage, a lien, an estate matter, or an issue with the property’s legal description.

Finding an unexpected item on the title report doesn’t automatically mean the sale is in trouble. For example, most sellers still have a mortgage when they sell. We request a payoff so that loan can be paid from the sale proceeds.

Other items may take more time or require documents from the seller, a lender, or another party. That’s where your title company comes in to help you navigate the details and keep things moving toward closing.

Preparing Everything for Closing

We also work with the real estate agents and lender to prepare for closing. We gather the information needed for the closing documents, review the figures, and coordinate signing and funding.

There are a lot of moving parts, and some depend on information we’re waiting to receive from others.

What Can You Do to Help Things Go Smoothly?

If you’re selling: Tell your agent and closing team early about anything unusual in the property’s history. Did you inherit it? Get divorced after buying it? Add or remove someone from ownership? Have a loan or home equity line of credit that needs to be paid off?

A heads-up gives everyone more time to find out what documents may be needed.

If you’re buying: Keep an eye out for requests from your lender and closing team, and ask questions when something isn’t clear.

Before sending money for closing, call your title company using a phone number you already know and trust to verify the wire instructions.

NEVER rely on a change to wiring instructions sent by email alone.

The Work Before Closing Matters

The best closing day is one where you understand what’s happening and have time to address questions along the way.

That’s why the work between contract and closing matters so much.

About the Authors

Tabitha King and Katelyn Seng are partners at Authority Title & Escrow. Together, they help buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders navigate the title and closing process.

Have Questions About What Happens Between Contract and Closing?

Whether you're buying or selling a home, there are a lot of moving parts between signing the contract and reaching the closing table. Knowing what to expect ~ and having the right professionals working together ~ can make the process easier to navigate.

That's exactly what From Contract to Closing is here to help you do.

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