Homebuyer’s chapter
Prepare for closing without rushing the review
A signature should follow understanding, not pressure.
Review early
Read your Closing Disclosure and compare it with the Loan Estimate. Confirm borrower names, loan amount, interest rate, payment, costs and cash to close. Ask the lender about anything unexpected before the scheduled signing. Use CFPB explanations for the document sections.
Confirm the property and conditions
Arrange any final walkthrough allowed by your contract. Check agreed repairs and property condition without treating a brief walkthrough as a full inspection. Confirm insurance start dates and any remaining lender or title requirements with the relevant professionals.
Protect the payment
Independently confirm wiring or payment instructions with your established closing contact using a known number. Do not send money based only on an email thread or last-minute change. If you suspect a fraudulent transfer, contact the bank immediately; speed can matter.
Keep a complete record
Save the signed documents, payment confirmations, insurance details and contact information securely. Understand when ownership, possession and keys transfer under local procedures. Plan the first mortgage payment and ongoing tax or insurance obligations. If a document is unclear, ask before signing rather than relying on an informal promise.
Questions to take into the next conversation
- Compare the Closing Disclosure with the Loan Estimate and resolve questions before signing.
- Confirm remaining conditions, insurance and the permitted walkthrough arrangements.
- Use a known, independent contact route to confirm payment instructions.
What if someone changes wire instructions at the last minute?
Stop and verify directly with your established closing contact using a number you already know is correct. Do not use the replacement number or link in the message. If money may have gone to a fraudster, contact your bank immediately and preserve the communications.