Between an accepted offer and closing, you'll hear from people you've never met — sometimes on the same day. Knowing who's who makes the process far less confusing, and helps you send each question to the person who can actually answer it. Titles and exact roles vary by state and by deal; your agent can tell you who's on yours.
Your real estate agent
Your guide and advocate for the whole transaction. Your agent negotiates for you, explains the contract and its deadlines, coordinates the other parties and tells you what's happening and what's next. When in doubt, ask your agent first — they'll know or know who does.
The other side's agent
Represents the other party. You'll rarely deal with them directly; messages usually go agent to agent.
Transaction coordinator (TC)
Many agents work with a TC who manages paperwork, deadlines and scheduling behind the scenes. You might get document requests or reminders from them. They work alongside your agent, who remains your point person for advice.
Lender or loan officer (buyers with a mortgage)
Handles your loan from pre-approval to funding. Expect requests for pay stubs, bank statements and explanations of deposits — answer them quickly, because the loan is often the longest part of escrow. The lender also orders the appraisal and sends your closing disclosure.
Underwriter
Works for the lender and makes the final call on your loan. You usually won't talk to them directly; their questions come through your loan officer as “conditions” to clear.
Escrow officer or closing agent
A neutral third party who holds the money and documents and makes sure every condition of the contract is met before anything changes hands. Depending on where you live, this may be an escrow company, a title company or an attorney. They prepare the settlement statement and run the signing.
The escrow or closing office is who you'll wire money to — and the most-impersonated party in wire fraud. Always confirm instructions by calling a number you already trust, never one from an email.
Title company
Researches the property's ownership history to make sure the seller can transfer it free of unexpected liens or claims, and issues title insurance. In many areas the title company also handles escrow.
Home inspector
Hired by the buyer to examine the home's condition — structure, roof, systems — and write a report. The report shapes any repair requests. Specialists (roof, sewer, pest) are sometimes brought in for a closer look.
Appraiser
An independent professional the lender sends to estimate the home's value, so the loan isn't larger than the property is worth. Neither buyer nor seller chooses the appraiser.
Others you may meet
- Insurance agent — the buyer's homeowners insurance must be in place before closing if there's a loan.
- HOA or management company — provides association documents and dues information when the home is in an HOA.
- Real estate attorney — required in some states, optional in others.
- Notary or mobile signing agent — verifies identities and witnesses signatures at closing.
Agents using ClosedEasy give you one live page for your deal, showing each step with who it's waiting on — lender, appraiser, title or you — so you always know where things stand without chasing anyone.