Pre-closing activities. The purpose of the closing is to make sure the property is ready to be transferred to you from the seller. To ensure that the transfer can be made, the firm handling the closing must have the following information ahead of time:

Title search and report. Research of land records, court records, and other legal documents determine if the seller has a clear, marketable title to transfer to you.

Title insurance binder. This indicates the result of the title search and assures the lender the title to the property qualifies for a title insurance policy.

Survey. The survey confirms the property boundaries are as described in the purchase and sale agreement.

Termite, well, sewer, or septic certificate. This certifies that the sewage and water supply work properly and that the property is free of termites or other wood-destroying insects. The sales contract will state whether you or the seller is responsible for these inspections and certificates.

Title insurance. Title insurance protects your lender against losses that may be incurred because of a defect in the title, a forgery, a recording error, claims of undisclosed or unknown spouses or heirs, and other risks that did not appear in the public records when the title search was done. You will need to provide title insurance for your lender by your closing date.

Hazard insurance. Hazard insurance or homeowner's insurance protects you and the lender from loss in the event the home is damaged or destroyed by fire, storm, or other hazards. You are responsible for obtaining hazard insurance prior to closing and for providing proof of insurance to your lender. The lender may also require additional insurance against loss by flood.

Final walk-through inspection. Your purchase contract allows you a final walk-through of the property 24 hours before closing. This is your opportunity to be sure the seller has vacated the property in the manner agreed to in the contract, that all mechanical and electrical systems are working, and any agreed-upon repairs have been made. You can delay the closing if you feel the contract has not been met.