What to Bring to Your Virginia Closing

Settlement day should be the easy part. By the time you reach my table, the hard work is done, and the signing itself is mostly a matter of bringing the right few things. Let me give you that short, practical list.

Written by Adam L. Engel, Esq., Principal and real estate attorney at Prime Title & Escrow

The question I hear most in the week before a closing is simple: what do I need to bring? The honest answer is, less than you might think, because I prepare most of the file for you. But a handful of things only you can bring, and forgetting one of them is the kind of small problem that turns a calm signing into a scramble.

A valid photo ID, for everyone signing

Every person whose name goes on the deed or the loan needs an unexpired, government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport. The notary has to confirm that you are who you say you are, and a document is not properly notarized without it. If the name on your ID does not match the name on your documents, because of a marriage, a divorce, or a middle name that comes and goes, tell me ahead of time so we can sort it out before the table rather than at it.

Your cash to close, sent the safe way

The largest thing you bring to a purchase is money, and it should almost never arrive as a personal check for a big amount. For most closings, you wire your cash to close to my escrow account a day or so before we sign, and you bring the confirmation. For smaller balances, a cashier’s check may be acceptable, but confirm with me first. I wrote a full guide on cash to close and how to send it safely, because this is exactly where wire fraud tries to get in.

Proof of homeowner’s insurance, if you are financing

If you are taking a loan, your lender requires a homeowner’s insurance policy to be in place before closing, and often the first year paid. If your lender asks for the declarations page or proof of payment, bring it. Most of the time your lender and I have already squared this away, but it is worth a quick check the week before.

Anything your lender flagged

Underwriting sometimes attaches conditions, a recent pay stub, a bank statement, a letter explaining a deposit. Whatever appears on your lender’s final list is worth bringing in case a question comes up at signing. When I see those conditions early, I make sure they are cleared before your date, not on it.

Special cases: power of attorney, trusts, and companies

If someone is going to sign for you under a power of attorney, that document has to be approved by your lender in advance and is usually recorded with your deed, so get it to me early. You can read how that works in my guide to closing with a power of attorney. If you are buying through an LLC or a trust, I will need the entity or trust documents ahead of time so the title and the signing line up.

If you are the seller

Sellers bring fewer things. A photo ID, the keys, garage and gate remotes, mailbox keys, and any homeowners association or warranty documents the buyer will need. Your proceeds do not change hands across the table. They move afterward, on a schedule set by Virginia’s Wet Settlement Act, which requires recording and disbursement within two business days of settlement.

What I handle so you do not have to

The deed, the settlement statement, the title work, the recording, and the coordination with your lender and your agent are all mine to manage. For the full picture of the people and steps behind your signing, see my overview of what a title and escrow company does and my walk through of what happens at a Virginia closing. You bring yourself, your ID, and your funds. I bring the rest.

This article is general information about closing in Virginia and West Virginia. It is not legal advice for your specific transaction, and lender and document requirements vary. Please confirm what your closing needs with me directly.