You'll generally get your proceeds disbursed from three main sources:

1. The biggest check issued is generally that for your remaining equity, after all fees and expenses have been deducted. It is cut immediately after closing and funding. So, the title company will generally put it in the mail to you (or you can pick it up) the next business day. However, many people prefer to have their funds wired into their checking accounts as the funds get there much more quickly (hours instead of days) and you don't have to wait for a wire to clear like you may with a check (depending on your bank, they may hold a check for 7-10 days). Note: There is often a small charge from banks, around $10, for incoming wires... check with your bank to be sure. And if you want your funds wired, you'll need to include a voided check (or at least the account # and R/T # off the bottom of your check) with the docs you sign at closing. There's usually a form specifically for this... asking you about how you want to receive your proceeds from the sale.

2. Next, your escrow account is refunded... assuming that your mortgage escrows for taxes and insurance as part of your monthly payment (most mortgages do, but not all). Your escrow balance will be send back to you by your mortgage co. once they get your payoff and process the close-out of your loan. This usually means you get a check from them within about 15 days. It doesn't hurt to call them and update your address so they mail it directly to you (and not to your old address where the mail forwarding can take an extra few days).

3. Finally, your homeowners insurance company will refund you the balance of your un-used/pro-rated policy premium. This also normally takes a couple weeks, but varies by company. Again, letting them know your new mailing address helps expedite your receipt of your check... and you can ask at that time what their normal turn-around is for refunds when policies are canceled.

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Hope that helps! Let me know if you have a real estate question you'd like answered...