When Do Buyers Get Their Keys

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced real estate investor, understanding when you’ll get the keys to your new home is essential. In most cases, there are a few steps that must take place before you can move in. Let’s take a look at what happens after closing on your home and when you can expect to get your keys. 

The Closing Process 

After signing all of the necessary paperwork at the closing table, there’s still some work to be done before you can get your keys. The first step is for your lender to fund the loan, which means they transfer the money needed to purchase the property from their accounts into escrow or directly to the seller. 

Once funding has been completed, escrow will close and all of the documents related to the transaction will be recorded with the county clerk's office—a process that could take up to three business days. Once recording is complete, title will be transferred and released from escrow, and then ownership of the property officially changes hands. 

Picking Up Your Keys 

Depending on the type of funding that your lender is using, picking up your keys might be as easy as getting the keys before you walk out of the title company. If your lender is requiring funding approval you may have to come back to pick up the keys or have them delivered to you a couple of hours after the closing.  If possible, it’s always best to pick up keys in person so that any questions or concerns can be addressed right away if necessary. 
                                          
At closing time, being aware of when and how you will receive your keys is important knowledge for any homebuyer or real estate investor.  Having a clear understanding of these steps needed before you can get your keys will ensure that everything goes smoothly during this exciting time!