Updated September 22, 2026
Are you a first-time home buyer? We can help.
Becoming a homeowner is exciting, but this investment may feel overwhelming for first- time buyers especially. We’ll break down the process for you.
Work closely with your real estate agent and lender. We encourage you to lean on your real estate agent and lender during the process. Keep the lines of communication open with them and it should go smoothly.
Of course, we hope you add Sherman & Phalen to the contract as the closing law firm. It’s usually the buyer’s choice of closing firm.
Pay earnest money on time. Once you’ve signed a contract, you can use our secure, online payment system to send us any earnest money. We partner with CertifID, a national fraud prevention company, so you’ll know that money is being sent directly to our trust account.
Prepare for Your Closing. As we’re searching title on the property, you’ll be in contact with our paralegal to gather information from you for the closing. This will include verifying your identity with CertifID and filling out a Buyer’s Information Form.
You’ll receive, usually from the lender, the Closing Disclosure. This document sets out the terms of the loan, including the funds that you, as the buyer, need to bring to the closing. Review that document carefully and let your lender know if you have any questions.
If you’re getting owner’s title insurance, which we recommend, we’ll also send you a copy of the title commitment for the title insurance policy so you can see the status of the title.
If you need to bring funds, arrange for your payment with the paralegal. You can send us funds to close through CertifID, request a certified check, or initiate a wire transfer. They have different timelines, so you need to be sure to request it in time.
Come to your Closing. At the closing, we’ll sign all the documents needed to transfer the property to you and take care of the funds. Remember to bring your id, certified funds, proof of homeowners insurance coverage, and your personal checkbook in case of any last-minute adjustments. Typically closings take less than an hour. One of our attorneys will be there to lead you through the process and answer questions along the way. You’ll also receive the keys at the closing.
After the Closing. After the closing, you’ll receive an email with a copy of all the documents you signed as well as your recorded deed once received back from the County. If the new property is your primary residence, remember to contact the county to apply for your homestead exemption.
Contact us today. Have questions about your upcoming closing? Our team at Sherman & Phalen Law is here to help. Call us at 770-579-0109 or email us at info@shermanphalenlaw.com.
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