It's confusing (particularly if you've closed a real estate transaction on the east coast) so I'm going to address it in writing and hope this is helpful to those of you in the midst of a real estate transaction. Here's the question: What do I have to do on the day of closing? The answer is celebrate! Seriously.

In Washington, the last activity for you, the buyer, occurs approximately three days prior to the close date -- that's when you'll sign the loan documents at Escrow and turn over the necessary funds to close the transaction. If you are bringing money to closing, you'll need to provide the funds in the form of a Cashiers Check or make arrangements with the Escrow company you're using  to have the money wired directly to them (personal checks are NOT accepted).  Also, be sure and bring your driver's license with you (it must be valid) or a Passport as Escrow will need a Photo ID in order to have the authority to notarize the closing documents.

What happens on the actual close date? The day of closing is when the funds are released to the seller (as defined by the terms in the Purchase & Sale Agreement) and the deed to your new home is recorded with the County. Once the recording numbers are released by the County (generally, in the late afternoon) your Realtor has authority to give you the keys to your new home!

Questions? Just let me know. I'm happy to address any real estate issues that aren't clear. Hope this gives closure to the closing question!

- Ricklie Stone, Seattle Real Estate