Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey has been handling real estate transactions in Central Kentucky for nearly 50 years. As your trusted partner serving the Kentucky real estate community, we understand the importance of clarity and transparency in every step of the closing process. We often find that the multitude of documents involved in a real estate closing perplex buyers and sellers alike. Below, we'll walk you through the key documents you'll encounter in most real estate closings, empowering you to approach your closing with confidence.

Key Documents in a Kentucky Real Estate Closing

Purchase Agreement:

  • What is it? The purchase agreement is the contract between the buyer and seller outlining the terms of the real estate purchase.
  • Why is it important? It specifies details like the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies that must be met for the sale to go through.
  • What should I look for? Pay attention to deadlines for inspections and financing, as well as any conditions that could affect the sale. A purchase agreement is a legally enforceable contract, so work with a trusted realtor or consult a real estate attorney for guidance on this important document.

Title Documents:

  • What are they? Title documents include an attorney’s title opinion letter or a commitment to issue title insurance. The title documents are the fruit of the title search, which is completed to verify ownership of the property and ensure there are no liens or claims against it.
  • Why are they important? Clear title is essential for a smooth transfer of ownership and protects you from legal disputes over ownership rights or claims to the property.
  • What should I know? Title insurance is often obtained to protect against any unforeseen issues with the title. While title searches are thorough, there are some things that will not be revealed in the search. A title insurance policy is sound investment to protection against unknowns. You can read more about title insurance here.

Closing Disclosure (CD):

  • What is it? The CD is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the home purchase, including loan terms, closing fees, and taxes.
  • Why is it important? It allows you to review all the financial details of the transaction before closing to ensure accuracy and avoid surprises.
  • What should I look for? Check for any discrepancies between the CD and your loan estimate, and make sure you understand all the fees listed.

Settlement Statement:

  • What is it?  Sometimes called the HUD-1, this document provides an itemized list of all the fees and charges paid by both the buyer and seller at closing. It also shows how the funds will be handled to close the transaction in accordance with the purchase agreement.
  • Why is it important? It provides a clear overview of where the money is going, including lender fees, escrow payments, and taxes.
  • What should I know? Review the settlement statement carefully to ensure all the charges are accurate, that the funds are being allocated pursuant to the purchase agreement, and that there are no surprises.

Deed:

  • What is it? The deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.
  • Why is it important? It provides evidence of your ownership rights and is recorded with the county to officially document the transfer.
  • What should I know? Different types of deeds offer varying levels of protection to buyers, so it's important to understand which type you're receiving.

Mortgage Documents:

  • What are they? These documents outline the terms of the buyer’s mortgage loan, including the amount borrowed, interest rate, and repayment schedule.
  • Why are they important? They legally bind you to repay the loan and establish the lender's rights in case of default.
  • What should I know? Review the terms carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear before signing.

Insurance Policies:

  • What are they? Title insurance protects against title defects on the property being purchased.
  • Why are they important? Title insurance provides financial protection against potential risks that could affect your ownership or the value of the property.
  • What should I know? Understand what each policy covers and consider any additional coverage you may need.

Speak to an Experienced Central Kentucky Real Estate Attorney

Understanding the key documents involved in a real estate closing is essential for a smooth and successful transaction. At Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey, our experienced Central Kentucky Real Estate attorneys are here to guide you through the process and ensure you're fully informed every step of the way. If you're preparing for a real estate closing in Central Kentucky, including Hardin, Meade, Larue, Jefferson, and surrounding counties, contact us today for skillful assistance and personalized support.