Selling Your Home: The Home Closing Process for Sellers

By Christopher Leigh | August 25, 2025, 10:15 AM CDT

Closing on your home marks the finish line of a long journey—from accepting an offer to navigating negotiations. It’s the moment you’re nearly free of your property, but it’s not without its challenges. This Selling Your Home post, brought to you by Vision Realty, walks you through the closing process for sellers in the Fargo-Moorhead area, ensuring a smooth transition.

Navigating the Home Closing Process

You’ve reached the final step of selling your home, but closing can feel daunting. With the right preparation, you can cross this hurdle with ease. Here’s what to expect and how to handle it.

Get Repairs Done

Before closing, complete any agreed-upon repairs or improvements. Joshua Jarvis, founder of Jarvis Team Realty in Duluth, GA, advises, “Sellers should finish repairs at least a week before closing to avoid last-minute stress.” Rushing repairs risks delays if issues arise.

Review the approved offer for repair commitments. Keep receipts, contractor invoices, and before-and-after photos as proof. This documentation can resolve disputes during the final walkthrough or closing if buyers question the work.

The Final Walkthrough

Typically 24 hours before closing, buyers and their agent conduct a final walkthrough (you shouldn’t attend). This half-hour process checks every room and outdoor area to ensure repairs are done and no new issues have emerged. Jarvis notes, “Buyers look for anything unexpected, like a hidden problem under a rug.”

If issues are found, you’ll be notified immediately. Minor problems might be resolved with a trade (e.g., gift cards or appliances), while major ones could delay closing. Be prepared to address concerns promptly.

The Home Closing Process

A smooth closing involves signing paperwork and waiting as buyers finalize their part. Jarvis explains, “Sellers sign eight documents and spend about an hour and a half watching buyers sign.” Your main task is reviewing key documents, especially the settlement statement, which details your sale proceeds and tax implications.

Scan for discrepancies and consult your agent or attorney if numbers don’t match expectations. Other documents, like the warranty deed, are standard but less critical to scrutinize.

Last-Minute Drama

If buyers raise last-minute concerns, they can negotiate until signing the final documents. Listen to their requests—offering items like a washer and dryer might resolve issues without altering terms.

Significant changes, like a price drop, require amendments and loan reprocessing, which could delay closing by days or weeks, per Jarvis. Once resolved, funds transfer to your attorney, covering your loan and team fees, leaving you with a check—your reward for the effort.

Getting Started with Closing

Ready to close on your home? Follow these steps:

• Complete Repairs: Finish agreed repairs a week before closing with proof of work.

• Prepare for Walkthrough: Ensure the home is ready for the buyers’ final check.

• Review Documents: Focus on the settlement statement during closing.

• Handle Negotiations: Address last-minute issues with flexibility.

• Partner with Experts: Work with your Vision Realty agent to navigate the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When should repairs be done before closing?
A: Complete repairs at least a week before closing to allow time for issues, per expert advice [1].

Q: What happens during the final walkthrough?
A: Buyers check for completed repairs and new issues, typically 24 hours before closing [1].

Q: What documents should I review at closing?
A: Focus on the settlement statement for sale proceeds and tax details [1].

Q: Can buyers negotiate at closing?
A: Yes, until they sign final documents, but major changes may delay closing [1].

Q: What do I receive after closing?
A: A check for the remaining proceeds, usually the same day, after fees are paid [1].

Conclusion

The home closing process is the final step to selling your home successfully. By completing repairs early, preparing for the walkthrough, reviewing documents, and handling last-minute negotiations, you’ll ensure a smooth close. Partner with Vision Realty to guide you through this process and celebrate your success in Fargo-Moorhead.

Contact Vision Realty in Fargo-Moorhead
Christopher Leigh, Broker, GRI, RSPS, ePRO, REALTOR®
Phone: +1(701) 715-4747
Email: chris@visionrealty.us
Address: 509 Front St, Hawley, MN 56549
Website: visionrealty.us
(Vision Realty provides expert real estate services for buyers, sellers, and investors across Fargo-Moorhead.)

References

1. Jarvis Team Realty, “The Home Closing Process for Sellers,” 2025.

Disclaimer

Vision Realty adheres to all federal, North Dakota, and Minnesota fair housing laws, ensuring equal opportunity for all clients. Information is accurate as of August 25, 2025, but may change. Contact Christopher Leigh for the latest insights. This blog is for informational purposes and may be refined based on feedback.