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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

Primary sources reviewed July 15, 2026

Homebuying fundamentals are taught for learners nationwide. Sections labeled Washington detail use Washington law, programs, practices, or Pacific Northwest examples—check the official resources for your state before acting.

Washington detail

How escrow coordinates a Washington closing

Washington home purchases commonly use a neutral escrow agent to hold funds and documents and complete the instructions provided by the transaction parties. Escrow agents are regulated under state law, but they do not represent the buyer or seller or replace individualized legal advice. Ask an attorney when you need contract interpretation or legal advice beyond the escrow agent's role.

  • The escrow officer is a neutral third party — not your advocate and not the seller's.
  • Escrow follows written instructions and coordinates funding, disbursement, and recording conditions.
  • An attorney and an escrow agent serve different roles; use qualified legal counsel when legal advice is needed.

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

Bring government-issued identification and follow the settlement agent's verified instructions for cash to close; acceptable payment methods and deadlines vary. Federal rules generally require the lender to deliver the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Treat emailed wiring changes as suspicious and verify instructions through a trusted phone number before sending funds.

  • 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 the promissory note, deed of trust, settlement documents, and other required forms through the closing process. The lender then completes its funding conditions, escrow follows the parties' instructions, and the deed is submitted for county recording. Signing, funding, recording, disbursement, and possession are separate events; key timing follows the purchase agreement and confirmed closing status.

  • Buyer and seller often sign at different times — you're not necessarily in the same room.
  • Recording timing varies by county, escrow workflow, and transaction; do not treat signing or funding as proof that title has recorded.
  • 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, and register any home warranty within its deadline. Confirm the first-payment date on your promissory note or lender instructions rather than relying on a rule of thumb. Keep the Closing Disclosure and other final documents, and check the county property record after recording instead of assuming ownership data updates on a fixed schedule.

  • Confirm the first mortgage-payment date in the note, first-payment letter, or servicer instructions.
  • USPS change of address and utility transfers: handle within the first week.
  • County ownership-record timing varies; verify the recorded deed and later confirm the assessor or treasurer record.

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