EXECUTED. NOW WHAT?

EXECUTED. NOW WHAT?

Your Road to Closing Resource Hub

What happens after the contract is signed? Explore the work happening behind the curtain as the lender and title teams move a transaction from an executed contract to keys.

This class from University Title and TLP Mortgage follows one transaction through processing, title work, underwriting, closing preparation, signing, and funding. Use the resources below to revisit the milestones, recognize potential roadblocks, and communicate confidently with your clients.

What You Learned

  • Two lanes, one closing: How the lender and title teams work in parallel—and why contract changes can affect both.

  • Inside the lender lane: What happens during processing, underwriting, and the collection of outstanding conditions.

  • Inside the title lane: How ownership, liens, title commitments, HOA documents, surveys, and seller payoffs fit into closing preparation.

  • Common detours: How missing documents, price or seller-credit amendments, remote signing requests, and late commission changes can affect progress.

  • The final stretch: The distinct roles of the initial closing disclosure, clear-to-close, balancing, and signing preparation.

  • Signing through keys: Why signatures are one milestone, followed by funding confirmation and the final closing update.

  • The Realtor’s playbook: Ask about signing arrangements early, share amendments promptly, set realistic expectations, and confirm the plan.

Keep Your Closing on Track: What to Communicate & When

  • Purchase Price Changes (as soon as the amendment is executed)

  • Signed Amendments (Immediately after execution)

  • Repairs & Receipts (At least 5 business days before closing)

  • Power of Attorney (POA) (Immediately). POAs require attorney and title approval and can take time. Under our process, a POA closing is unavailable once the loan has been resubmitted for clear to close (CTC).

  • HOA Information (Share available information early and flag outstanding documents or issues promptly)

  • Realtor Concessions (As soon as possible)

  • Home Warranty Selection (As soon as possible, no later than CTC.)

  • Closing Arrangements or Changes (as soon as possible, including mail-outs, signing location changes, or scheduling conflicts)

Typical Third-Party Vendors:

Title Co., Appraiser, Inspectors, Surveyors, Insurance Agents, HOA Management Companies, Employers, Payoff Requests

Working with third parties typically takes time, and any delay in these areas can create closing issues. Reminder that all third-party docs have to be reviewed by the underwriter for a CTC to be issued....

When you understand what's happening behind the curtain, you don't have to guess.

  • You know what we're waiting on.

  • You know what your client needs to know.

  • You know when something needs your attention.

  • And all of us get to give that client a better experience.

Download Your Road Map

Class Presentation
Revisit the lender and title steps from contract to keys.

Road to Closing Game Board
Review the transaction detours and practice choosing the best next move.

Keep Your Next Transaction Moving

When something changes, notify both teams early. Ask what remains outstanding, who is handling it, and whether it could affect closing.

Questions? Connect With Your Team

  • Sheri C. Walls: 210-365-6950

  • Brooklyn Cmerek: 210-464-5306

  • Sonia Almanza: 210-380-1945