Your Georgia closing, step by step.
What to bring, how to send your funds, and how to protect yourself, whether you’re buying, selling, representing a client or funding the loan.
From title order to recorded deed.
Every file follows the same careful path, with paralegals and attorneys checking every detail before anyone sits down at the table.
- 1
File opened
Your agent or lender submits a closing request. We open the file and await the contract and lender instructions.
- 2
Title search
An independent examiner completes a full search of the recorded title history. We resolve any issues as soon as possible.
- 3
Information sheets
Our closing paralegal sends your pre-closing information sheet. Return it promptly, along with insurance and payoff details.
- 4
At the table
We keep you informed on timing, and your attorney walks you through every document before you sign.
- 5
Post-closing
Documents are recorded and policies issued. Post-closing questions go to our dedicated line, 404.705.7994.
Everything you need, by role.
A smooth closing is a team effort. Choose your role to see what to prepare before closing day and what to bring with you.
Buyer checklist
As the buyer, you can help ensure a smooth closing by being ready to provide these items before or at closing.
- Buyer’s Closing Information Sheet
Once your closing is scheduled, our closing paralegal will send your pre-closing information sheet. Please complete and return it as soon as possible.
- When and where
Confirm the closing date and time, and which office you’ll attend. If you can’t attend, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll help you plan.*
- Spell-check
Let us know if your name is misspelled, your address is wrong, or you notice any other errors.
- Identification
Bring one (1) valid, unexpired form of identification with your picture.
- Homeowner’s insurance
Once your closing is set, get your homeowner’s insurance to us as soon as possible. We’ll review it against your lender’s requirements.
- Special accommodations
Wheelchair access, language translators or separate closing times. Please ask in advance.*
- Original documents
Bring any originals requested by our firm, your agent or your lender.
Seller checklist
As the seller, you can help ensure a smooth closing by providing the information and items requested by our firm and your agent.
- Seller’s Closing Information Sheet
This is a crucial part of the pre-closing process. Please complete it and return it as soon as possible.
- When and where
Confirm your date, time and office location. If you can’t attend, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll help you plan.*
- Spell-check
Tell us about any misspellings, incorrect addresses or other errors.
- Identification
Bring one (1) valid, unexpired form of identification with your picture.
- Special accommodations
Wheelchair access, translators or separate closing times, arranged in advance.*
- Original documents
Bring any originals requested by our firm, your agent or your lender.
- Termite letter & home warranty
If your contract requires them, obtain them early, send us a copy to review, and then bring the originals to closing.
- Last-minute payments
Made a loan, tax, utility or HOA payment within 7 days of closing? Tell us so we can adjust your final net.
- Keys, fobs & warranties
Bring all keys, garage door openers and fobs, any unexpired warranties, and codes for alarms or other systems.
Agent checklist
We appreciate the heroic effort agents put into every deal, and our goal is to work as hard for you as you worked to bring us the business. A few reminders for closing day:
- Confirmed date and time
Double-check the schedule and office location with our team.
- Original contract & all addenda
The complete, fully executed agreement.
- Original termite letter
If applicable.
- Septic letter
If applicable.
- Copies of receipts
For any credits or repairs being accounted for at closing.
- Keys, fobs & garage door openers
Everything the buyer needs on day one.
- Home warranty confirmation
If applicable.
Lender checklist
Lenders and loan officers must meet the ever-changing requirements of federal regulators and Georgia lending law. We pledge to work just as hard to deliver a professional, successful closing, built on open communication.
- Loan terms
The Good Faith Estimate or Loan Estimate for the transaction.
- A copy of the appraisal
So we can confirm property details against title.
- Lender instructions & business cards
Keep your contact information handy for the borrower and our team.
* Additional fees may apply.
NRS Good Funds Policy.
To ensure that all funds are available to disburse to all parties on the day of your closing, all funds due at closing by all parties must be wired to the NRS escrow account prior to your closing.
Protect your money from wire fraud.
Neel, Robinson & Stafford takes wire fraud very seriously. Criminals target real estate closings with convincing emails and texts, so please follow these steps closely, whether you’re sending funds or receiving proceeds.
404.459.9600- Our wiring instructions will not change. If you ever receive a message saying they have, please call us right away.
- Before you send or accept a wire, call us at a number you know is ours, 404.459.9600, and we’ll confirm the instructions with you.
- Always double-check emails and messages about money, even ones that look like they come from us, your agent or your lender.
- Funds sent to the wrong account are very hard to recover, so when in doubt, call us. We’re always glad to check.