Closing on a home should feel exciting — not stressful. As your real estate team, we’re here to make sure you feel prepared, confident, and supported every step of the way. While every transaction is unique, the buyers who enjoy the smoothest closings are the ones who understand what to expect and what to prepare for.

Here’s an updated, 2025-ready guide to help you navigate the process like a pro.

1. Share Your Information Early to Keep Things Moving

One of the biggest causes of closing delays is missing or incorrect information. As soon as we go under contract, we make sure your lender and title company have everything they need — but you can help kickstart the process, too.

Here’s what helps:

• Provide full legal names, contact info, and any entity information (LLC, trust, etc.) early.
  
• If you’re financing, share your lender’s contact information as soon as possible.
  
• If you find a better loan option mid-process, let us know immediately so we can update the title team and keep timelines on track.
  

A little upfront accuracy makes the rest of the transaction much smoother.

2. If Anything Changes, Tell Us Right Away

Real estate contracts are living documents. If something changes — even something small — we need to know so we can update everyone involved.

Examples include:

• Changing your loan type or lender
  
• Adjusting credits or concessions
  
• Needing to shift the closing date
  
• Adding or removing a buyer
  

Not updating the contract promptly can slow down underwriting, funding, and even final closing. We handle all the communication for you — we just need to know when something shifts.

3. Decide Early If You Can Attend Closing in Person

In markets like Summit and Eagle County, many buyers live out of state, and travel isn’t always convenient. If you’re not able to attend closing, that’s completely okay — we just need to plan ahead.

Options include:

• Sign via a remote online notary
  
• Sign with a local notary in your home state
  
• Sign through a pre-approved Power of Attorney
  

Some lenders require special forms or advance approval for remote signings, so letting us know early ensures no last-minute surprises.

4. Be Strategic With Your Closing Date

Not all closing days are created equal. The busiest days of the month come with the greatest chances of delays — especially at month-end and on Fridays.

Whenever possible, we recommend:

• A mid-week or mid-month closing
  
• Avoiding holidays and holiday-adjacent dates
  
• Giving yourself one extra day before movers arrive or renovations begin
  

A smart closing date gives everyone — including you — much more breathing room.

5. Bring Proper ID and Plan for “Good Funds”

Before closing, we’ll remind you what you need to bring. Being prepared means you’ll spend less time at the closing table and reduce the risk of delays.

Most buyers need:

• A valid, unexpired photo ID
  
• A wire transfer for closing funds (cashier’s checks are sometimes allowed, but rules vary)
  

Because wire-fraud scams have increased in recent years, we will always confirm wiring instructions verbally with you before you send funds. Never trust emailed or texted wire instructions without verifying directly with us or the title company.

6. Understand That “Signing” and “Closing” Are Not the Same Thing

This is one of the most important parts of a modern real estate closing. Signing your documents does not automatically mean that you own the home. The property officially transfers only once your lender has released funds and the title company has recorded the deed with the county.

What happens behind the scenes:

• The title company collects all signed documents
  
• Your lender verifies everything and gives a “clear to fund”
  
• Funds are disbursed
  
• Title records the deed with the county
  

Only once recording is confirmed are you officially the owner — and we always keep you updated until the moment it happens.

7. Do Your Final Walk-Through Close to Closing Day

Your final walk-through ensures the home is in the condition you agreed upon — repairs completed, fixtures left behind, no new damage, and the home clean and ready for you.

During your walk-through, we look for:

• Completion of any agreed-upon repairs
  
• Functioning systems (heat, appliances, plumbing)
  
• No new issues since inspection
  
• Items that should convey (like appliances) still in place
  

If anything looks off, we can address it before funds transfer — your walk-through protects you.

8. Review Your Closing Disclosure (CD) Early

By law, your lender must give you your Closing Disclosure three business days before signing. Reviewing it early helps avoid last-minute issues.

Check for:

• Your interest rate
  
• Loan terms
  
• Cash-to-close amount
  
• Credits and concessions
  
• Closing costs
  

If anything doesn’t look right, we’ll help you get it corrected long before the closing appointment.

9. Expect a Few Final-To-Do’s — and Know We’re Tracking Them for You

Even when everything runs smoothly, a few final items often pop up: last-minute lender verifications, updated insurance paperwork, or updated payoffs from the seller’s lender.

Our job is to stay on top of these moving parts so you don’t have to.

You can expect us to:

• Communicate with title and lender daily as closing approaches
  
• Keep you updated on funding and recording
  
• Confirm when you officially own the home
  
• Coordinate your keys, access codes, and utility transfer
  

We don’t stop working on your transaction until keys are in your hand and recording is complete.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Closing Comes From Preparation and Partnership

Buying a home — especially in a resort or second-home area — comes with extra moving parts. But with the right guidance, the process shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

As your real estate team, our job is to:

• anticipate what’s ahead,
  
• keep communication clear,
  
• protect your interests, and
  
• make sure you’re never left guessing where things stand.

If you’re gearing up for a purchase in Summit, Eagle, Lake, Grand, or Park County — or even just starting to explore your options — the Skinner Team is here to guide you with confidence from offer to closing and beyond. With hundreds of successful transactions and deep local expertise, we know how to make your experience smooth, stress-free, and fully supported. Whenever you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us. We’d be honored to help you navigate your real estate journey with clarity and care.