Learning About The Closing Process

[Brandon G.]

I'd like to learn everything I can about the closing process. Since, I have never bought a house, I truly have 0 experience in this. I assume it's too involved to explain in a forum post, so is there any books or websites where I can learn the details of this?

[Ned Carey]

I can't speak specifically about TX.  I can tell you about what we do in MD. 

Someone chooses a title company, usually the buyer. The contract will be sent to the title company and they will do a title search and prepare settlement documents. They will schedule closing and tell everyone when to show up and what to bring. (in theory sometimes the title company needs a little push) The main settlement document is know as HUD-1. It itemizes all the costs of settlement and breaks them down by who pays, seller or buyer.

There really isn't much for the buyer or seller to do IF it is a good title company.