You’ve survived showings, offers, inspections, appraisals…the whole circus. Now your lender and I keep saying, “We’re almost to closing.” If you’re buying in Columbus, Powell, Dublin, Westerville, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Lewis Center, Evans Farm, or Delaware, here’s what actually happens on closing day so you’re not walking in blind.

1. Where You Go and Who’s There

In Central Ohio, most closings happen at a title company or attorney’s office – not at the house.

Typically in the room:

• You

• Me (hi 👋)

• A closer from the title company

• Sometimes your lender shows up, sometimes they’re just on standby

The sellers might sign at a different time or in another room. So no, it’s not always a big awkward kitchen table moment like HGTV makes it look.

2. What You Bring (So We’re Not Chasing Paper)

To keep things smooth, you’ll bring:

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

• Instructions for your down payment funds (usually a wire – big checks are rare now)

• Any last-minute documents your lender requested

Before closing, I’ll help you confirm how much money you need to wire and when, so you’re not sitting in a Dublin or Westerville closing room saying, “Wait, how much?!”

3. The Giant Stack of Papers (And What You’re Actually Signing)

Yes, there’s a stack. No, you don’t have to memorize it all.

You’ll see:

• Promissory Note – the “I promise to pay this loan back” document

• Mortgage / Deed of Trust – puts the home up as collateral

• Closing Disclosure – final numbers: payment, taxes, insurance, closing costs

• Title docs – showing how the property is being transferred to you

I walk you through the big-ticket items so you understand the payment, taxes, and what happens if you ever sell the home in Columbus, Powell, Dublin, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Westerville, Lewis Center, or Delaware.

4. When You Actually Get the Keys

Key moment (literally):

• You sign everything

• The lender gives the “clear to fund”

• The title company records the deed with the county

• Then you officially own the house

Sometimes this all lines up while you’re still in the closing room and I hand you keys right away. Other times, especially with afternoon closings, recording happens a bit later in the day. Either way, I’ll set expectations so you know when it’s “photo-with-keys” time.

5. What Happens After Closing (Besides Pizza on the Floor)

Once you own it:

• Utilities get switched into your name (we’ll have handled timing before closing)

• Your first mortgage payment won’t be due right away – usually the second full month after closing

• You’ll get info on tax bills, HOA dues, and how to set up online accounts

• I’ll still be around – for contractor referrals, value check-ins, or when you start thinking about your next move in Columbus, Powell, Dublin, Evans Farm, Westerville, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Lewis Center, or Delaware

Closing day should feel like confirmation, not confusion. My job is to make sure you walk in knowing what’s happening, and walk out as a homeowner—without surprises.

[Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]