What to expect at closing in Texas

The week before

• Your lender finalizes underwriting and issues final approval.
• You receive a closing disclosure or settlement statement to review — check names, dates, loan terms and every figure.
• Confirm the exact funds required and the delivery method with the title company directly.
• Bind your homeowners insurance so it's effective at closing.
• Schedule the final walkthrough and confirm agreed repairs are complete.
• Avoid new credit, job changes or large unexplained deposits.

Verify wiring instructions by phone

Wire fraud in real estate is real and targets exactly this moment. Never rely on emailed instructions alone. Call the title company at a number you already know and confirm the details verbally before sending anything.

What to bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID for every person signing.
• Funds delivered exactly as instructed by the title company.
• Any documents the lender or title company specifically requested.

At the table

A title company closer walks you through the package. For a financed purchase that typically includes the note and deed of trust, the settlement statement, tax and insurance authorizations, identity and occupancy affidavits, and various acknowledgments. Sellers sign a smaller package centered on the deed and settlement statement. Signing commonly takes under an hour.

Read what you sign, and stop to ask questions. Your agent can explain what's customary; the closer can explain the documents; legal interpretation belongs to an attorney.

Funding and recording

Signing is not the finish line. After signatures, the lender reviews the package and releases funds, the title company disburses, and the deed is recorded. Once the transaction funds, the sale is complete and possession transfers per your contract.

Getting the keys

Possession is a contract term, not an assumption. Most often it's at funding, but a leaseback or delayed possession agreement changes that. Collect keys, remotes, gate and alarm codes, and any manuals or warranty documents.

Common causes of a delay

• Outstanding lender conditions requested late in underwriting.
• Title issues such as liens, judgments or heirship questions.
• Survey or repair items unresolved close to the date.
• Funds sent late or to the wrong place.
• Payoff or HOA statements arriving slowly.

After closing

• Store your closing documents securely; you'll want them at tax time and at resale.
• Change locks, garage and alarm codes.
• Confirm utilities and trash service transferred correctly.
• Set up HOA account access if applicable.
• Ask a qualified tax professional about any exemptions or filings that apply to you.