Understanding the Closing Process: What Every Homebuyer and Seller Needs to Know

The process of closing a real estate transaction involves more than simply signing a contract. Once you're under contract, it’s essential to have a dedicated team managing the details leading up to closing day. With over 1,200 transactions closed, Denise Morris, a Licensed Closing Specialist, has unmatched experience in handling the complexities that arise from contract to closing. Her role ensures everything from scheduling inspections to negotiating repairs is addressed, providing buyers and sellers with a smooth and stress-free experience. This expertise is a key advantage for clients working with the Matt Curtis Real Estate team.

Meet Denise Morris: Licensed Closing Specialist

Matt Curtis: How long have you been part of the Matt Curtis Real Estate team?

Denise Morris: I’ve been with the team for almost 13 years.

Matt: That’s amazing. And you’ve also been a client, right?

Denise: Yes, I have. When we relocated here for my husband’s job 13 years ago, we contacted you, and you helped us find our home.

Matt: You’ve been on the team for 13 years. How many homes have you closed during that time?

Denise: Just over 1,200, and the number keeps growing.

Matt: That’s incredible. To put that into perspective, half of the agents in our market sell between 0 and 2 homes a year. The average agent sells 4 to 5 homes annually. By that comparison, your experience is equivalent to 240 years of work for the average agent. That’s one of the key advantages of working with our team. Clients benefit from experts like you who’ve seen almost every scenario imaginable in a transaction. If something unexpected happens, they have you to guide them through it. Denise, you’ve closed more homes than anyone in Alabama. That’s remarkable.

Denise: Thank you. It’s important to have that level of experience, especially within our team. One thing I really enjoy about being part of this team is that everyone is a specialist in their role. We’re able to collaborate, share knowledge, and ensure no one is handling challenges alone. Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of experience by managing a higher volume of transactions compared to most agents.

The Importance of Specialized Roles

Matt: Absolutely. Even when I was selling homes, I often deferred to your expertise. It’s like the restaurant analogy I often use. Real estate agents juggle multiple responsibilities, but sometimes tasks aren’t done as effectively as they could be. On our team, we have specialists for different roles. It’s like going to a restaurant where one person greets you, another takes your order, and someone else cooks your food. The process is seamless and efficient, which makes for a better experience. That’s exactly what clients get with you and the rest of our team.

Denise: That’s a great analogy. Because of our team’s structure, we’re able to keep everything on track. Everyone’s expertise ensures the process runs smoothly, and we can focus on delivering the best experience for our clients.

Matt: What’s your favorite thing about being part of the Matt Curtis Real Estate team, the number one team in Alabama?

Denise: I love that everyone on our team is a specialist. If a unique situation arises, I can easily reach out to someone for the answers I or my clients need. I also love that our hardworking team gives back to the community and builds homes around the world.

Matt: That’s one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do. We’re able to help clients find their dream homes, provide for our families, and make a meaningful impact locally and globally. Through charities like Kids to Love, the Curtis Cares Facility, and House of Harvest, as well as our vision to build 1,000 homes in Nicaragua and Guatemala, we’re helping families in need achieve their own dream homes. It’s an honor to be part of that mission.

Understanding the Role of the Closing Department

Matt: You lead our closing department. What does the closing department do for our clients from contract to closing?

Denise: Once your contract is signed, we handle everything from that point until closing. We schedule any inspections you may need and set your closing date. Along the way, if changes need to be made to the contract, such as addendums or negotiating repairs, our team takes care of those as well. Essentially, anything that happens from contract to closing is managed by your closing team.

Matt: That’s a lot of responsibility, and many clients don’t realize it. They think once they’re under contract, the hardest part is over. In reality, while it can be smooth sailing, sometimes the toughest part of the process begins after the contract is signed. That’s why clients really appreciate the expertise and experience your team brings.

Denise: Yes, being under contract is an exciting milestone, but the details that follow can be more challenging. Having a closing team to guide you through the process makes it much smoother and less stressful.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers to Avoid Common Mistakes

Matt: With all your experience, what advice do you have for buyers and sellers to avoid common mistakes?

Denise: The advice differs for buyers and sellers since their processes are quite different. For buyers, the biggest thing is to avoid making large purchases during the transaction. Many buyers get excited and want to buy furniture or appliances for their new home.

Matt: But if they use a “buy now, pay later” option, is that okay?

Denise: No, it’s not. It will still affect their credit the same way, whether they’re making payments now or in six months. It’s critical to avoid adding any new debt during the buying process.

Buyers also need to prioritize their lender’s requests. Lenders will need various documents, and sometimes additional documentation will be required based on what’s submitted. It’s important to make time for these requests to keep the process moving smoothly. There are also strict timelines in the contract for things like negotiating repairs, so buyers need to stay available and responsive.

Matt: So you’re saying don’t send your lender or closing team to voicemail when they call.

Denise: Exactly. If you can’t take the call, have a plan to return it promptly. For sellers, one common mistake is turning off utilities too early. This often leads to problems during the final walkthrough when the buyers find there’s no power. It can cause delays and cost the seller extra for emergency reconnections.

Another issue for sellers is not understanding which items automatically convey with the home. The contract specifies items like curtain rods, hardware, and TV mounts. Many sellers assume they can take these items, but they’re part of the sale unless explicitly excluded in the contract. If there are specific things you want to keep, like custom drapes or TV mounts, it’s essential to address that before the contract is signed.

How to Prepare for the Closing Table

Matt: So, how does a buyer know how much money to bring to closing? And what forms of payment are acceptable? Can they use a personal check, cryptocurrency, or even gold? What do they need to bring?

Denise: It really depends on the closing attorney. Some attorneys will accept a cashier's check from a local bank, but others require that all payments be sent via wire transfer, no matter where they’re coming from. Your closing team will clarify this for you and provide detailed instructions so you’ll know what to expect.

If wiring instructions are needed or if a cashier’s check is acceptable but inconvenient, the closing attorney can email you the wiring details to make the process easier.

Matt: Just to clarify, we will never ask you to wire funds directly to us. There are scams out there where people send fake emails pretending to provide wiring instructions. Funds should always go directly to the closing attorney. Is that right?

Denise: Absolutely. Our emails include a note reminding clients that we will never send wiring instructions. Even if you request them from me, they’ll always come directly from the closing attorney. Unfortunately, there have been cases where people receive fake wiring instructions. Always double-check. For example, if the instructions tell you to wire funds to Matt Curtis Real Estate in South Florida, but you’re closing with Wolfe Jones in Huntsville, that’s a clear red flag.

Your closing specialist will go over all this with you. When we have the final numbers for closing, which usually happens a day or two beforehand, we’ll review the settlement statement with you to ensure there are no surprises. At that point, you’ll know the exact amount to bring and the required form of payment.

Regarding forms of payment, cash, credit cards, and debit cards are not accepted. It must be a cashier’s check or a wire transfer. Personal checks are not allowed.

Essential Documents to Bring to Closing

Matt: Are there any specific documents that need to be provided at closing?

Denise: Most of the time, you just need to bring your driver’s license. Occasionally, the lender or closing attorney may require two forms of identification. If that’s the case, they’ll let you know beforehand. Secondary forms of I.D. can include a military I.D., passport, or Social Security card.

Your closing team or the attorney will ensure you’re informed about what’s required, so there’s no confusion on closing day.

Matt: We recently got a second Costco in town, and I know some people are proud of their Costco cards. Can that work as a secondary form of I.D.?

Denise: Believe it or not, yes. While your primary I.D. must be a valid state-issued identification, such as a current driver’s license, a Costco card with your picture can sometimes be accepted as a secondary form. Just make sure your primary I.D. isn’t expired.

Matt: That’s good to know. Another great reason to get a Costco card! It’s also a great reason to work with Matt Curtis Real Estate. Even if Denise Morris isn’t working with you directly, she’s behind the scenes ensuring the closing process runs smoothly. This year, our closing team will handle 100 to 200 closings each, offering unmatched expertise and support.

It’s like having insurance for your closing. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, we’d love to help you. Call us at 256-333-MOVE, and we’ll guide you through every step, from buying or selling to closing.

Denise: From start to finish, we’re here to help you find a home and get you into it.

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