Seller Closing and Escrow Services

Perfecting the Art of Closing

Coastal Land Title focuses on providing superior residential and commercial real estate closing services. You will enjoy working with our experienced staff who understand how important each transaction is to everyone involved.

Each member of our team possesses a superior work ethic and the dedication necessary to get every transaction closed, even if it means staying late and taking calls after hours or on the weekends. We understand that complex problems may arise and our attorneys are equipped to handle them professionally and promptly.

The Closing Process

Under Contract

Once the parties have executed the purchase and sale contract, our team receives the contract. We order a title examination, which is an examination of the public real estate records for a that property. The title examiner will determine the name of the owner, and any mortgages or liens associated with the owners or attached to the property.

Pre-Closing

We collect information that allows us to order mortgage payoffs for the seller, HOA information, water bills, and anything else we need. We will coordinate with the lender throughout the process regarding the loan documents and clearance of any title issues. A settlement statement will be sent to all parties that shows everything that is being collected and paid at closing.

Closing

Buyers, sellers, their agents, and the attorney will meet and sign the closing documents. The seller signs a Limited Warranty Deed that conveys the title of the property to the buyer. The deed will be recorded with the Clerk of Court for the county where the property is located and will be mailed to the new owner once it is returned to our office from the county.

Post-Closing

After the closing is complete, the attorney will send all of the signed documents to the buyer’s lender and will send any recordable documents to the Clerk of Court for recording. The seller’s payoff is sent to their lender so that loan will be paid in full and released by the lender. All other monies gathered at the closing are then disbursed accordingly.

What to Bring to Closing

IDENTIFICATION

Bring to closing a government issued picture ID (driver’s license or passport).

SELLER INFORMATION FORM

Fill out the Seller Information Form. It is critical that you return this to us as soon as possible. Delaying return of the needed information could result in additional fees from your lender and/or Homeowner’s Association for rush requests.

FUNDS FROM CLOSING

There is a section on the Seller Information Form for you to complete if you would like your funds wired.

FUNDS TO CLOSE

In the event that the seller must bring money to close, any funds must be in the form of certified funds (certified check, cashier’s check or money order), and any amount over $5,000 must be wired. Please note that we cannot accept ACH or Electronic transfers – it must be sent in the form of a wire, and almost all banks require that you go to the branch in person to request and initiate a wire.

POWER-OF-ATTORNEY

If the seller is unable to attend closing, we can prepare a Power of Attorney (POA). Please let us know as soon as possible if a POA is required as we will need to get it drafted and executed in advance of closing. We will provide you with the POA and specific execution instructions.

SELLERS WHO ARE NOT FLORIDA RESIDENTS

If the Seller is not a Florida resident, the Seller may be subject to withholding tax. The Seller is required to fill out certain forms for tax purposes. Please notify our office and we will provide these forms to you. Please note that our office cannot assist you in filling out these forms as these forms require tax information/expertise. We recommend that you consult with your accountant when filling out these forms.

SELLERS WHO ARE NOT U.S. CITIZENS

If the Seller is not a US citizen or entity, the Seller may be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Please contact us for the necessary forms.

MAIL AWAY

If you cannot attend closing, we can arrange to send the closing documents to you to sign remotely. Please contact our office for details and fees associated with this option.

CORPORATE ENTITIES / TRUST

Please see our “CORPORATE ENTITY / TRUST” attachment if you are selling property out of a Trust, Corporation, LLC, LP, etc. (anything other than your individual name).

Seller FAQs

What are closing costs?

Typically, the seller does not pay any closing costs other than what is required to clear title for the buyer. However, a seller can agree to pay some of the buyer’s closing costs by adding this to the contract.

What will happen during the closing process?

You’ll go to the closing location and show your picture ID to the settlement agent or send in your mail-away closing packet. Your closing attorney will review the closing statement with you and you’ll sign the deed conveying title to the property to the buyer. Then, you will give the keys to the buyer and receive your funds.