Est. Trusted Settlement Services
Contract to Close
a road map for buyers & sellers
From the moment your purchase agreement is signed to the day the deed is recorded - here is every stop along the way, and who is behind the wheel at each one.
- 01
Mile 1 · Getting started
The contract lands
Your fully executed purchase agreement is sent to the title company and the lender. This is the starting gun for everything that follows.
Agent & lender - 02
Mile 2 · Getting started
Your file is opened
Title work begins. Tax information is ordered and our team starts building the file for your property.
First Source Title team - 03
Mile 3 · Research
The title search
An abstractor digs through the public record to confirm the seller can convey clear title to you.
Ownership historyLiens & judgmentsEasementsAbstractor - 04
Mile 4 · Research
Commitment issued
An examiner reviews the search and issues the title commitment - the list of what must be cleared before we can insure the title.
Title examiner - 05
Mile 5 · Clearing the road
Payoffs, survey & curative
The processor orders mortgage payoffs and the survey, then resolves every issue raised in the commitment so the file is clean at closing.
Processor - 06
Mile 6 · Clearing the road
Clear to close
The escrow officer receives closing instructions and the lender's clear to close. Numbers are balanced and the settlement statement is prepared.
Escrow officer & lender - 07
Mile 7 · Closing week
Signings are scheduled
We set the buyer and seller appointments to sign final documents and coordinate a notary for each one.
First Source Title team - 08
Mile 8 · Closing week
Pens hit paper
Buyer and seller sign all required lender and title documents. Funds are collected and verified.
Buyer & seller - 09
Mile 9 · The finish line
Lender's final review
Signed documents go back to the lender for final approval and funding authorization.
Lender - 10
Mile 10 · The finish line
Funding & recording
Title receives authorization to disburse funds to all parties, then sends the deed and mortgage to the county for recording.
First Source Title team
You have arrived.
Keys in hand.
Once the documents are recorded, the transaction is officially closed and ownership transfers. Have a file in progress, or a question about where things stand? Our team is happy to walk you through it.
Talk to our closing teamTimelines vary by transaction, lender, and county. Cash purchases and refinances travel a shortened version of this same road.