You’ve toured the homes, made the offer, survived inspections—and now you’re here: closing day. It sounds like the finish line, but really, it’s more like the final lap.
If you’re buying a home in Harrisonburg or Rockingham County, here’s what actually goes down behind the scenes—and at the table—on closing day.
What is “closing,” exactly?
Closing is the day you officially become a homeowner. It’s when the sale is finalized, the keys are handed over, and the paperwork gets real.
But the full closing process starts weeks earlier. Between offer and closing, your lender, agent, and a few behind-the-scenes players are checking boxes: inspections, appraisals, title work, final loan approval. It’s a team effort—and your job is to stay responsive and ready.
What happens on closing day?
Expect to sign a lot of paperwork. You’ll review and sign legal documents like the closing disclosure, mortgage agreement, deed, and the Note (which outlines your loan terms). You’ll also bring a cashier’s check to cover your closing costs—things like loan fees, taxes, insurance, and your down payment.
Your agent will be there to walk you through each step and make sure everything is accurate. You’ll need to bring a valid photo ID and proof of homeowners insurance. If all goes smoothly, you’ll leave with keys in hand.
Who’s at the table?
In Virginia, closings usually happen at a title company or attorney’s office. You’ll likely be joined by a settlement agent, your real estate agent, and sometimes the seller’s agent. The lender typically doesn’t attend, but they’ve been working behind the scenes to make sure it all runs smoothly.
The vibe? Professional, but exciting.
Common closing-day curve-balls
Not everything goes perfectly. Delays can pop up, especially if:
- The home appraises below the agreed price
- Lender paperwork isn’t finalized
- Title issues need to be resolved
- Repairs from inspection haven’t been completed
None of these are deal-breakers if you’ve got the right team. A good agent spots these early—and helps you navigate them without panic.
How to prep for closing
Here’s what I walk my buyers through before we get to the table:
- Secure homeowners insurance
- Schedule your final walk-through (usually the day before)
- Bring your cashier’s check
- Bring your photo ID
- Ask questions—before you’re in the room
After the signatures
Once everything’s signed and confirmed, the keys are yours. No long waiting periods. No mystery. Just you, a new set of keys, and the start of something new.
Thinking about buying?
If you’re curious about the process—or already thinking about making a move—I’ve got a full closing day checklist I share with my buyers to keep things smooth and stress-free. Let’s talk. I’ll walk you through it, start to finish.