Special offer
Tammy Lankford,, Broker  GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville (Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668)

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Rainmaker
4,572,339
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Closed is considered recorded with the appropriate jurisdiction.  We don't use attorneys or a closing table in my area.

Aug 30, 2018 05:52 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Typically "closed" happens at the closing when the Closing Agent comes in and hands out supporting documents to all parties as well as checks to the Buyer and Selling Agents.  At that time keys are given to the New Buyers and we share a few important "housekeeping" details and then say "good-bye".  

The Buyer typically takes possession of the house immediately after closing.  Seller comes to the closing knowing they will not be going back there again.  Only exception would be if there were a written agreement prior to closing for the Seller to post-occupy for a set amount of money per day and days of occupancy.

Aug 30, 2018 06:59 PM
Ambassador
3,125,842
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Once the home records with the County.

Aug 30, 2018 05:59 PM
Ambassador
5,230,119
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

In NC, it's upon recordation - however, my attorneys file electronically so, that typically means within an hour of our leaving the Closing.

In SC, it's often upon funding. They also electronically record but, with funding in place, checks are often given at the Closing table. 

Both are attorney states but, SC can do dry Closings, whereas NC cannot.

Aug 30, 2018 07:59 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Here, it's Closed when it is Recorded.  A phone call is made to the realtor saying, 'You are now the owner of ____________,' or 'You no longer own ______________'.  This is when the keys are given out to the buyers, Tammy Lankford,.  Both parties sign separately - some can DocuSign because they are out of state, while others can come in to sign.  Buyers and Sellers do not necessarily meet as they do not sign together, and there is no reason to meet.   

Aug 30, 2018 06:01 PM
Ambassador
3,854,909
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 

At the settlement table, the buyers get the keys and the seller gets the money.

Aug 30, 2018 07:42 PM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Closed is after it has funded and recorded with the county. Possession is typically "upon closing" which means funding and recording. We generally sign a day or two in advance or else the morning of to make sure the loan can be funded in time. Buyer and seller do not go to the closing table together. Everyone signs at the title company with an escrow officer, agent, and (if a buyer) preferably the loan officer present, but not the other parties. When the title company calls the agents to let them know it has funded and recorded, we then call our clients to tell them it has officially closed. At that time we are able to release the keys to the new owner. -Kasey

Aug 30, 2018 06:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Money - key. 

After signing closing documens and funding.

Aug 30, 2018 08:52 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Funding.

Aug 30, 2018 07:53 PM
Rainer
482,547
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Tammy Lankford, here closed is considered similar to yours. All documents are signed, funding is complete, and keys are exchanged. It may not happen all at the same time, but there's no waiting for recording to happen.
Bruce

 

Aug 30, 2018 07:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

It's technicaly fully closed when the escrow check clears and escrow has closed out their file.  We consider the house "Sold" when it records at the county recorder's office and we confirmation of that recording.  That's when the keys get sent over (usually either hidden somewhere or title messengered over).

Aug 30, 2018 06:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Possession as soon as we record title, unless there's a rent-back.

Aug 30, 2018 08:19 PM
Ambassador
1,026,993
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

We have a closing on . . . closing date  . . . house funds and belongs to Buyer on date of closing. We are not an escrow state (I'm not even sure what that means )

Aug 30, 2018 06:49 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,419
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

After the settlement.

Aug 30, 2018 06:06 PM
Rainmaker
531,677
Marie Story
Coldwell Banker - Pinecrest (Miami) - Pinecrest, FL
Broker Associate, Pinecrest (Miami) Specialist

Closed is usually when all documents have been signed by all parties.  I like possession to be after confirmation the transaction has funded.

 

Aug 30, 2018 06:03 PM
Rainer
427,267
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

It is closed when you leave the closing table here. 

Possession all depends on the terms of the contract. I like simultaneously at the closing, others like 3 days date of deed.

Aug 30, 2018 06:19 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Legally, it is not closed (deed transferred to new owner) until the Deed is recorded.  The Title Attorney or Title Company uses a runner to take the Deed(s) to the Courthouse for recording.

     Customarily, keys are given to the Buyer at the Closing Table (just like you).  

     If there is an early occupancy, or a stay-over seller (also not common here), it is imperative to have an Attorney draw up separate documents (possibly a lease or a rental agreement); and it's imperative to make sure that proper insurance is in force.

Aug 30, 2018 05:51 PM
Rainmaker
805,909
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Once the title registers in the buyers name. The lawyer calls to let you know the buyers can now have the keys.

Aug 30, 2018 05:44 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

When escrow says they have the money speaks volumes to me. As to possession, it follows the money part to put it simply

Aug 30, 2018 05:43 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

What Michael Jacobs stated for California.  

Aug 30, 2018 08:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

That is how we do it here in Tennessee. It is rare the seller stays after closing.

Aug 30, 2018 08:22 PM
Ambassador
5,049,466
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It's closed when we get confirmation from the records office that "we are on record." Possession is commonly 6 PM on the day of closing, per the contract, but can be negotiated. No closing table here!

Aug 30, 2018 09:53 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

In North Carolina, buyer gets keys once the deed has been recorded and with most attorneys e-recording that happens within a couple of hours, typically.

In South Carolina, buyer can receive keys at closing table so long as all the required purchase funds are in the closing attorney's account at time of settlement. No need to wait for deed to record.

Aug 31, 2018 04:20 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

In CT we close with an Attorney. Once the mortgage paperwork is signed (or the funds are wired) the buyer walks away with the keys & can take possession.  

Aug 31, 2018 03:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tammy Lankford, - it happens on the same day here in MA! The moment the sale is recorded in the registry (soon after closing documents are signed by all the parties), the buyer gets the key from the seller!

Aug 30, 2018 10:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

In MA once the transaction is recorded at the Registry of Deeds it is closed. Then the buyer can move in

Aug 31, 2018 06:34 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Interesting Tammy. In AZ, we have the legal and the practical. We usually go by the practical. When the buyer closes escrow at the title/escrow company, the escrow officer sends e-notice to the county recorder. One e-receipt is provided by the county, the access to the property is provided to the new owner (buyer). Legally, it's not entirely correct as you don't need to record to own a property, but that's the way we all do it. Often, an agent can be a 'custodian' of the property (a black hole full of risks) as they keys are held by the agent between the notice to the county and the confirmation receipt by same - there could be at times a few hours.

Aug 31, 2018 06:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,509
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good funds for the seller and title company prepared to record the deed. Possession at closing is typical although years ago the seller typically paid to keep possession for 30-45 days!

Aug 31, 2018 05:56 AM
Rainmaker
608,881
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Same in NY.  It closes at the closing table. It's not sold until the closing. Title and deeds are tranferred, the deal is funded, keys are turned over to buyer.

"Sold" and "closed" means the same thing here.

Aug 31, 2018 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

When Title is transferred 

Aug 31, 2018 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Same as you here in IL. We give seller $$, they give us keys, we run over there!

Aug 31, 2018 05:01 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

In NH the buyer and seller meet at the table at closing, each signs, the buyers funds are collected. The seller gets their check and the buyers get their keys. Deed scan be recorded electronically. Those who still bring the deeds to the registry have gap insurance and does not delay exchange of keys, getting checks or possession. 

Aug 31, 2018 04:51 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,905
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

We consider it closed when it funds.  That is when the keys are delivered to the buyer.

Aug 31, 2018 04:21 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Ours is the same as yours Tammy.

Aug 31, 2018 03:55 AM
Ambassador
2,436,110
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

As with your area, we all sit at the closing table, and at the end the buyers get the keys. They usually go right over after closing and make it theirs!

Aug 31, 2018 03:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,334,163
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

At the Closing Table with buyer and seller, attorneys, Realtors, and bank official. Funds are received and keys are given...

Aug 31, 2018 03:01 AM
Rainmaker
699,874
The Villages Realty
The Villages Realty - San Jose, CA
"Our Performance Will Move You!"

Closed when recorded.  There may be some aftermath if there was a rent back.

Aug 31, 2018 01:59 AM
Rainmaker
516,437
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

As soon as the seller gets their funds, then it is considered closed and funded.  Buyers and Sellers here do not sit down at the table together, they schedule different times at the title company.  Usually the buyer has a lot more papers to sign than the seller so that is why they typically schedule them separately to sign.

Aug 31, 2018 06:50 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

In California, a buyer takes possession when we are notified by the title company that the deed is recorded and the buyers are the legal title holders. They get the keys and take possession ONLY after we get confirmation the deed is recorded.

Aug 31, 2018 08:42 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Deed needs to be recorded, but that usually doesn't take too long. If closing is friday at 3:00, deed won't be recorded until Monday.

Aug 31, 2018 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

As long as the funds are collected, we are set to hand the keys over to the buyer.  

Aug 31, 2018 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

recording of the deed.....I have builders who will not give the keys until the deed is recorded ....that's when they receive the proceeds.... that's when we get paid... not before.... 

Aug 31, 2018 07:05 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Typically closed after papers are signed. Buyers get keys and take possession.

Sep 02, 2018 06:53 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Buyer takes psssesion 99% of the time right after closing.

Sep 02, 2018 06:24 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,716
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Most case right after closing.

 

Sep 01, 2018 12:34 PM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

In Washington, doc's are signed typically a day or more before closing, separately. On closing day the loan is generally funded in the morning and recorded in the afternoon.  Keys are available anywhere from funding notification to recording confirmation, depending on the seller and their agent.  Possession can be that day or later if previously set up in the contract. 

Aug 31, 2018 04:37 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Deed recorded = closed, possession = day of signing in my area

Aug 31, 2018 02:38 PM
Rainer
92,082
Jon K. Judd
Keller Williams Realty - Central Delaware - Dover, DE
GRI, e-PRO, SFR, Delaware Homes

We are at the settlement table in the attorney's office... paper work gets completed, everything signed, money delt with and the buyer walks out with the keys.  Attorney files and takes care of everything...  

CLOSED.... 

Aug 31, 2018 12:41 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Same as you mentioned

Aug 31, 2018 11:17 AM