Understand who does what
Escrow coordinates the transaction under the parties' instructions. Your lender handles loan approval and funding requirements. Title reviews ownership and insurable title matters. Your agent helps track contractual obligations. Ask who you should contact about each issue instead of assuming one person controls all of closing.
Keep all deposit, contingency, funding, and possession dates in a shared calendar. Communicate changes in your finances to the lender promptly. Do not make a major credit purchase before closing without checking the consequences.
Read the Closing Disclosure
For most covered mortgages, the lender must provide the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Compare it with the Loan Estimate and ask about changes in the loan terms, payment, fees, and cash to close. Some changes require a new waiting period; your lender should explain whether that applies.
The CFPB Closing Disclosure resource explains the form. Review names, property details, rate, loan amount, prepayment terms, and all costs. Raise questions before signing rather than hoping an unfamiliar charge will be explained later.
Treat wire instructions as a security issue
Real-estate wire fraud can involve convincing emails that look like they came from someone in the transaction. Independently verify instructions with escrow using a previously verified phone number. Do not trust a changed account number sent only by email, and do not call a number provided in the suspicious message. Ask escrow for its secure procedure at the beginning of the transaction.
Never send sensitive account details through an ordinary website contact form.
Walk through and confirm possession
Check agreed repairs, included appliances, property condition, and whether items were removed as required. Record problems and discuss them before closing. The final walkthrough is not a substitute for the inspections you should already have completed.
Signing, funding, recording, and possession can occur at different times. Confirm the actual closing and agreed key handoff with your agent. If the seller remains after closing, understand the written occupancy terms and insurance implications. When comparing a condo in Rancho Bernardo with a house in Poway, also plan the HOA or utility transfers that apply.
Your first week as an owner
Save the closing package, inspection records, warranties, and tax information securely. Arrange utilities, change locks as appropriate, locate shutoffs, and schedule urgent maintenance. Keep the reserve you planned in your buying budget. The first mortgage payment is not the only expense arriving after the keys.