Fourteen days out
Confirm your lender has issued final mortgage instructions to your lawyer. Confirm the lawyer has the file, the survey or title insurance arranged, and your identification on record. Book the elevator if you are moving into a condo - they get reserved fast.
Seven days out
Arrange home insurance with a binder letter naming the lender as loss payee. No binder, no funding. Book the movers, set up utility transfers, and file the change of address. Ask the lawyer for the exact balance due and the wire instructions.
- Insurance binder sent to the lawyer and lender
- Exact closing funds figure confirmed in writing
- Utilities, internet and address changes scheduled
Two days out
Wire or certify the closing funds. Do not leave this to the morning of - transfers can take longer than expected and a delay pushes the closing. Do the final walkthrough of the property and report anything broken to your agent and lawyer immediately.
What not to do the whole time
Do not change jobs, do not finance furniture or a car, do not open or close credit accounts, and do not make large unexplained deposits. Lenders re-verify before funding, and any of those can pause a deal that was fully approved.
Frequently asked questions
- When do I get the keys?
- Once the funds transfer and title registers, usually mid to late afternoon on the closing date. Your lawyer calls when it is done.
- Why does my lender need my insurance policy?
- The lender is financing the property and must be named on the policy. Funding is held until the binder letter arrives.
- Can something still go wrong after final approval?
- Yes, if income, employment or credit changes before funding. Keep everything static until the lawyer confirms the deal has closed.