Closing is the day the deed records, the buyer becomes the owner, and your proceeds are released. By this point the negotiating is done. What is left is a final walk-through, a stack of signatures, and the wire.
The final walk-through
Shortly before closing the buyer walks the property one more time. They are confirming that the home is in the condition agreed, that any negotiated repairs were completed, that nothing was damaged during your move, and that the items included in the sale are still there. Leave the home clean, leave what the contract says you are leaving, take what you are taking, and keep receipts for any repairs you agreed to make.
Signing and recording
You will sign the deed and the closing documents, usually with a notary. The buyer signs their loan documents and their funds are wired to escrow. Escrow confirms the money is in, then sends the deed to the county recorder. Recording is the moment ownership legally transfers. Until the deed records, the sale is not final.
Your final costs
Escrow issues a settlement statement showing exactly what is being deducted from your proceeds: your mortgage payoff and any other liens, brokerage compensation, escrow and title charges, county and city transfer taxes including Measure ULA if your sale price is above the threshold, prorated property taxes, and any credits you agreed to give the buyer. Review the statement line by line before you sign. Errors happen and they are far easier to correct before the file closes.
Getting your money
After recording, escrow disburses. Most sellers receive proceeds by wire on the day of recording or the next business day. Confirm your wire instructions directly with your escrow officer by phone using a number you looked up yourself. Wire fraud targeting real estate closings is common, and a fraudulent email with changed instructions is the single most expensive mistake a seller can make at the finish line.
Before you hand over the keys
Cancel or transfer utilities effective the day after recording, file your change of address, notify your homeowners insurance carrier to cancel the policy once the sale records, and leave behind the garage remotes, gate codes, alarm codes, appliance manuals, and every key.
Frequently asked questions
What happens on closing day when selling a house?
You sign the deed and closing documents, the buyer funds their loan, escrow verifies the money and sends the deed to the county recorder, and ownership transfers when the deed records. Escrow then disburses your proceeds and the keys go to the buyer.
What is a final walk-through inspection?
A short visit by the buyer shortly before closing to confirm the property is in the agreed condition, that negotiated repairs were completed, that no damage occurred during your move-out, and that included items remain. It is a verification, not a new inspection or a new chance to renegotiate.
How do I receive my funds after closing?
Escrow disburses after the deed records, usually by wire the same day or the next business day, with your payoff, commissions, fees, and transfer taxes already deducted per the settlement statement. Always confirm wire instructions by phone with your escrow officer using an independently verified number.
Ready to sell in Los Angeles?
Call 310-595-0915 or request a home valuation to get started.
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