The last week of escrow is when small things go wrong: a missing ID, a wire sent to the wrong account, utilities nobody turned on. These lists cover what most closings need. Your escrow or title company and your agent will tell you anything specific to your deal.
Buyers
- Bring a government photo ID for everyone signing.
- Get the final amount you need to bring from escrow — then confirm it by phone, at a number you already trust, before sending money.
- Do the final walkthrough: check that agreed repairs are done and the home is in the condition you expect.
- Make sure homeowners insurance starts on closing day.
- Set up electricity, water, gas and internet in your name.
- Update your address with the post office and your bank.
- Plan to collect keys, garage remotes, and gate or alarm codes.
Sellers
- Bring a government photo ID for everyone signing.
- Leave keys, remotes, codes and appliance manuals as agreed.
- Take final meter readings, then stop utilities after closing.
- Give escrow your forwarding address for final papers.
- Confirm how you'll receive your proceeds by phone with escrow — never act on an emailed change of instructions.
- Keep homeowners insurance until the sale records.
Agents who use ClosedEasy give each client a live board; in the last week it shows this checklist automatically, and a one-tap “I received wiring instructions” alert that tells the agent to confirm them by phone.