Locust Grove Title and Settlements, LLC
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Contract to Close

What Happens Between Contract and Keys

A typical residential closing runs 30–45 days from a ratified contract. Here's exactly what we're doing on your file during that window — and when each milestone usually lands.

Timelines vary with loan type, title complexity, and lender turn times. We'll flag anything off-track the moment we see it.

  1. 01

    File Opened

    Day 1

    Once we receive your ratified contract (from you, your agent, or your lender), we open the file the same business day. You'll get a confirmation with your file number, the assigned closer, and a tentative closing date.

  2. 02

    Title Search & Examination

    Days 2 – 10

    Our examiners pull the chain of title at the county courthouse — typically 40+ years of deeds, mortgages, releases, judgments, tax liens, easements, and restrictive covenants. We then determine insurability and flag anything that needs to be cleared.

  3. 03

    Title Commitment Issued

    Days 7 – 14

    We send the title commitment to the lender and, on request, to you and your agent. It lists what will be insured, what is excluded, and any requirements that must be met before closing (payoffs, releases, corrective deeds, etc.).

  4. 04

    Coordination & Curative Work

    Through underwriting

    We order payoffs, request HOA letters, confirm tax status, verify hazard insurance, gather survey information when needed, and clear any title objections. We coordinate with the lender, both agents, and any third parties so nothing waits until the last minute.

  5. 05

    Closing Disclosure & Final Numbers

    3+ days before closing

    Under the federal TRID rule, buyers must receive their Closing Disclosure at least three business days before signing. We work with the lender to lock final figures, balance the file, and send wiring instructions through a secure channel.

  6. 06

    Signing Day

    Closing day

    Sellers sign the deed and settlement statement; buyers sign the loan package, the note, and the deed of trust. Closings can be held in our office, at a mutually convenient location (mobile), or as a remote online notary closing through Proof/Notarize when available and approved. Plan on 45–60 minutes.

  7. 07

    Funding, Recording & Disbursement

    Closing day – next business day

    Loan funds are received, the deed and deed of trust are recorded at the county courthouse, payoffs are sent to existing lien holders, and remaining proceeds are disbursed by wire or check. Keys change hands. You're home.

  8. 08

    Owner's Policy Delivered

    2 – 6 weeks after closing

    Within a few weeks of closing, we deliver your final owner's title insurance policy. Store it with your closing package — you'll want it if you ever sell, refinance, or need to make a claim.

Got a question along the way?

That's exactly what we're here for. Give us a call, send a note, or stop by — no question is too small.

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Closing Policies

What to expect for notary, funds, and POAs

A few firm but friendly rules so closing day stays uneventful. If anything on your file looks like an exception, call us early — we'll find the right path together.

Remote Online Notary Closings

Locust Grove Title and Settlements, LLC offers remote online notarization through Proof/Notarize when available and approved for the transaction. If your closing is eligible for a remote online notary closing, our office will provide instructions and a secure link.

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, access to a computer or mobile device with a camera and microphone, and the ability to complete identity verification before signing. Our team will walk you through the process and let you know in advance if remote notarization is available for your closing.

Remote Signing Options

Remote signing options may be available depending on the transaction.

If you cannot attend closing in person, please contact our office as early as possible so we can review available remote or approved notary options.

Third-Party Mobile Notary Signings

When a remote online notarization through Proof/Notarize is not available or not appropriate for the transaction, Locust Grove Title and Settlements, LLC may coordinate a third-party mobile notary signing appointment through Bancserv or another approved signing service.

Bancserv is a nationwide mobile notary/signing service that coordinates real estate document signings through a network of qualified signing agents and can dispatch a signing agent or attorney throughout the U.S. Agents are pre-screened, tested, monitored, and rated, and may travel to a location convenient for the signer — home, office, or another approved location. The assigned notary is typically local to the signer's area and is selected based on location, availability, experience, and signing requirements. Bancserv also provides secure document delivery and upload features to support the signing.

A Bancserv/mobile notary appointment is not a traditional “mail-away” closing. Documents are not mailed to the client to be notarized independently and returned. Instead, our office coordinates the signing through an approved third-party service and the notary/signing agent receives instructions for the appointment.

Please contact our office as early as possible if you cannot attend closing in person, need a remote signing option, or believe a mobile notary may be needed. Availability, cost, timing, lender approval, title requirements, and document requirements may vary by transaction.

Funds for Closing

Funds required for settlement must be sent by wire transfer only. We cannot accept cashier's checks, ACH transfers, money orders, or personal checks for funds due at closing.

The only exception is earnest money deposits. Earnest money deposits may be accepted by personal check only if received at least ten business days before closing, so there is sufficient time for the funds to clear.

All wire instructions must be verified through our secure process. Do not rely on wire instructions sent by regular email. See our Wire Fraud Warning for details.

Power of Attorney

If a Power of Attorney will be needed or used for closing, please notify our office as early as possible. All Powers of Attorney must be reviewed and approved before closing, and additional lender, title, recording, or notary requirements may apply.

Waiting until the day of closing may delay settlement.