• Delivery of the buyer's funds. This is the check or wire funds provided by your lender in the amount of the loan.

• Delivery of the deed. A deed is the document that transfers ownership of real estate. The deed names the seller and buyer, gives a legal description of the property, and contains the (notarized) signatures of the seller and two witnesses.

Depending on your particular situation, one type of deed may benefit you more than another. Your real estate attorney can advise you.

From hand to hand.
Title to the property transfers to you when the seller places the deed into your hands. You don't leave with the deed—instead, your closing agent (who may be your real estate attorney) will take it away to be recorded at the county clerk's office and it will be sent to you later.

At this point, you'll leave the closing with a mountain of paperwork to file and the keys to your new home!