Buyer’s Guide

Your Step-by-Step Roadmap to a Smooth Closing

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial milestones in life. While the process can feel complex, having the right team makes all the difference. Our role is to safeguard your investment, manage the details, and ensure a seamless transfer of ownership. This guide walks you through each stage of the process so you’ll know exactly what to expect from offer to closing day.

1. Offer Accepted

Once your offer is accepted, the purchase agreement is signed. This contract outlines the terms of the sale, including price, contingencies, and timelines.

What you can expect at this stage:

  • Submit your earnest money deposit (often via our secure online portal).

  • Work with your lender to provide required documents.

  • Schedule your home inspection.

🔑 Tip: Keep track of all contract deadlines to avoid unnecessary delays.

2. Title Search & Commitment

Mitten Title Agency immediately begins the title search to confirm the seller has clear ownership and the right to sell the property. We review:

  • Existing mortgages or liens.

  • Unpaid taxes or association dues.

  • Property records and deed history.

Once complete, we issue a Title Commitment—a promise to provide title insurance once conditions are met.

🔑 Did you know? Title insurance protects you against hidden legal or ownership issues that could surface after closing.

3. Appraisal & Loan Processing

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the property’s value supports the loan amount. During this time, you’ll continue providing your lender with any additional documentation they need for final approval.

Mitten Title Agency works closely with your lender to ensure the title portion of the loan package is complete and accurate.

4. Escrow & Funds Handling

As the neutral third party, Mitten Title Agency securely holds funds in escrow—including earnest money, loan proceeds, and seller payoffs—until all conditions of the sale are met. This ensures a fair and protected transaction for both buyer and seller.

5. Preparing for Closing

As closing day approaches, we coordinate with your lender, agent, and the seller to gather and finalize documents.

What you’ll need to provide as the buyer:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID.

  • Proof of homeowner’s insurance.

  • Certified funds or wire transfer instructions for your closing costs and down payment.

🔑 Tip: Always verify wire transfer instructions directly with Mitten Title Agency by phone before sending funds to avoid wire fraud.

6. Closing Day

This is the exciting day you’ve been waiting for! At the closing table, you’ll:

  • Review and sign your loan documents.

  • Sign documents transferring ownership of the property.

  • Provide your remaining funds for the purchase.

Our closing agent will carefully explain each document and answer any questions. Once everything is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.

7. After Closing

Congratulations—you’re officially a homeowner! Mitten Title Agency records the deed with the county, issues your owner’s title insurance policy, and provides you with copies of your signed documents for your records.