Your Closing Journey
From the moment your contract is signed to the day you receive the keys, here’s exactly what happens behind the scenes — and where you fit in. Designed to make one of life’s biggest transactions feel less mysterious.
The Seven Stages of Closing
Contract Accepted & Escrow Opened DAY 0–3
WE DO · Open the file, assign your closer, send your welcome packet, hold earnest money in escrow.
YOU DO · Watch for our intro email and reply with your contact info.
Title Search & Examination DAY 3–10
WE DO · Pull full ownership history; flag liens, judgments, easements, or open mortgages.
YOU DO · Nothing yet. Sellers: be ready for questions on prior liens or HOA contacts.
Title Commitment Issued DAY 10–14
WE DO · Send the commitment to you, lender, and agent; start clearing exceptions.
YOU DO · Review with your agent — flag anything unfamiliar so we can explain.
Loan, Survey & HOA Coordination DAY 14–30
WE DO · Coordinate with lender, order survey/HOA, request payoffs, prep the deed.
YOU DO · Buyers: respond fast to lender. Sellers: send payoff letters & HOA contacts.
Closing Disclosure & Final Numbers DAY 28–33
WE DO · Balance with lender, prep CD/seller statement, schedule signing, send wire details.
YOU DO · Review every line. Confirm wire instructions by phone.
Settlement Day DAY 30–45
WE DO · Walk you through every signature, collect funds, witness/notarize, confirm with lender.
YOU DO · Bring photo ID. Wire funds in advance. Show up — we handle the rest.
Recording, Disbursement & Welcome Home DAY 30–45+
WE DO · Record the deed, disburse funds, pay prior liens, issue your final policy.
YOU DO · Save your closing package. Update insurance & address. We’re still here for you.
● Quick Answers
Who picks the title company?
In the DMV, you do. Title is your choice as the buyer or seller — not your lender’s, not your agent’s. Thank you for choosing ATG.
Why do I need title insurance?
It protects your ownership against hidden defects we couldn’t find — forged deeds, missed heirs, old liens. One-time premium. Lasts as long as you own.
What do I bring to closing?
Government photo ID. Buyers wire funds in advance. We’ll send a checklist a few days before, tailored to your transaction.
Can I close remotely?
Yes — mail-away, mobile notary, or remote online notarization (RON) where the jurisdiction and lender allow. We were the first DMV title company to go fully digital in 2011.
When do I get the keys or proceeds?
Buyers: keys after recording confirms (often same day in DC/MD/VA). Sellers: proceeds wire same-day or next business day after recording.