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Hole 17 · Back Nine — Execute

Closing Week

Closing week has a predictable sequence: final walkthrough, document signing, funding, and key handoff. This hole walks through what to expect day by day so nothing during your closing week feels like a surprise, including what to bring and what to confirm in advance.

6 min read · Free, no signup

Written by Isaac Ortiz · Real Estate Broker · Compass | NWMLS #146754

Washington closes through escrow, not an attorney

Washington is an escrow-based closing state: a licensed escrow agent, registered under state law (the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.44), holds your funds, prepares documents, and coordinates with your lender, agent, and the county — not a real estate attorney. You don't need to hire your own attorney for a standard purchase; the escrow officer plays that coordinating role for both sides.

  • The escrow officer is a neutral third party — not your advocate and not the seller's.
  • Escrow holds your earnest money and closing funds until the county records the deed.
  • No attorney is required for a standard Washington residential closing, unlike attorney-closing states such as New York.

What to bring — and the wire-fraud warning worth repeating

Bring a government-issued photo ID and the exact cash-to-close amount as a wire transfer or cashier's check — personal checks aren't accepted. Federal rule requires your lender to deliver a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing so you can review the final numbers. Never wire funds without calling the title company directly to verify the account first.

  • Closing Disclosure: delivered at least three business days before closing — compare it against your Loan Estimate.
  • Confirm wiring instructions by phone, not email — wire fraud targeting closings is a real risk.
  • Bring proof of homeowners insurance if your lender hasn't already verified it directly.

Closing day, step by step

You sign a stack of documents — the promissory note (your promise to repay), the deed of trust (lets your lender foreclose if you don't), and the closing disclosure — with your escrow officer, usually taking 45-90 minutes. Your lender then reviews and funds the loan, escrow disburses funds to the seller, and the title company records the deed with the county. Keys typically transfer the same afternoon once recording is confirmed.

  • Buyer and seller often sign at different times — you're not necessarily in the same room.
  • Recording is typically electronic and completes within a few hours of funding in most Western Washington counties.
  • An afternoon signing can push recording — and your keys — to the next business day.

The first 30 days after you get the keys

File a change of address, transfer utilities as of your closing date, and register any home warranty within its deadline. Your first mortgage payment is typically due the first of the second full month after closing. Keep your Closing Disclosure for tax time, and expect your property tax account to take a couple of months to update into your name.

  • First mortgage payment: typically the 1st of the second full month after closing.
  • USPS change of address and utility transfers: handle within the first week.
  • Property tax account transfer: expect roughly 60-90 days for the county to update ownership records.

Mastery check

Prove it out before you move on.

Caddie

Before you play through — quick read of the green:

4 quick questions. Get all but one right and this hole is marked played. Unlimited retries — there's no penalty for missing one.

Question 1 of 4

Does Washington require a real estate attorney to close a standard home purchase?

Question 2 of 4

How far before closing must your lender deliver your Closing Disclosure?

Question 3 of 4

What should you always do before wiring your closing funds?

Question 4 of 4

What should you handle in your first 30 days as a homeowner?

Still stuck? Ask the Caddie.

Hole 16: Closing CostsHole 18: Ownership