What to Bring to Your Real Estate Closing: The Complete Checklist for North Carolina Buyers

Buying your first home in North Carolina? Congratulations! But before you celebrate, make sure you know exactly what to bring to your real estate closing. As closing attorneys who’ve handled thousands of transactions in the Lake Norman area, we’ve seen too many closings delayed or derailed by simple oversights.
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The Essential Items Every Buyer Must Bring

1. Valid, Non-Expired Photo ID

This is non-negotiable. Your driver’s license or state-issued ID must be current and unexpired. Even if your ID expired yesterday and clearly shows it’s you, North Carolina notary law prohibits us from using it.

Why it matters: Notaries are required by law to verify your identity using valid identification. Additionally, if you’re getting a mortgage, lenders require Patriot Act verification, which means we must record information from your current ID.

Pro tip: Check your ID expiration date as soon as you go under contract. If it’s close to expiring, renew it immediately.

2. Your Checkbook (Yes, Really)

Even in our digital age, you need a physical checkbook at closing. Here’s why:

• Wire amounts can change between when you send your wire and closing day
• Small differences (usually under $500) can be handled with a personal check
• Overpayments happen, and we can issue refunds more easily

Don’t have a checkbook? Visit your bank and request a single check. Every bank can provide this service.

Real example: Last month, a buyer wired $47,000 but the final amount was $47,340. Without a checkbook, they had to drive to the bank for a cashier’s check while everyone waited.

3. Phone or Device with Internet Access

Modern closings often include electronic signing components from your lender. You’ll need to:

• Access your email during closing
• Complete any remaining e-signatures
• Communicate with your loan officer if needed

What happens if you can’t access email? We cannot proceed with closing until all lender requirements are met, including e-signing completion.

Additional Items for Sellers

If you’re selling your home, also bring:

Wiring Instructions

• Must be provided in writing at closing
• Cannot be sent via email for security reasons
• If you’re not attending closing, send original notarized instructions

Property Items

• Garage door remotes
• House keys (all copies)
• Security codes and passwords
• Mailbox keys

Note: Some closing attorneys will hold these items until the deed records, while others facilitate immediate transfer.

What NOT to Bring

Expired Documentation

Even if your ID expired recently, it cannot be used for notarization purposes under North Carolina law.

Cash for Large Amounts

While small amounts might be acceptable, large sums should be wired or provided via cashier’s check for security and documentation purposes.

North Carolina Closing Process: What to Expect

In North Carolina, real estate closings are considered the practice of law and must be conducted by licensed attorneys. This differs from many other states that use title companies.

Your closing will include:

• Title search and examination
• Document preparation and review
• Funds disbursement
• Deed recording
• Title insurance issuance

Common Closing Day Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Unprepared First-Time Buyer

A young buyer arrives with an expired ID, no checkbook, and a dead phone. Result: 3-hour delay and frustrated parties.

Scenario 2: The Wire Transfer Mix-Up

Buyer sends wire on Friday for Monday closing, but final numbers aren’t available until late Friday. Wire amount is $200 short. Solution: Personal check for the difference.

Scenario 3: The E-Signing Emergency

Lender requires completion of electronic documents during closing, but buyer can’t access work email on personal phone. Result: Closing delayed until access is restored.

Pre-Closing Checklist

One week before closing:

• Verify ID expiration date
• Confirm wire transfer instructions with closing attorney
• Ensure you can access email on your phone
• Locate checkbook or obtain single check from bank

Day of closing:

• Valid photo ID
• Checkbook
• Phone with internet access
• Wire confirmation (if applicable)
• Any specific documents requested by your attorney

Wire Fraud Prevention

Critical warning: Always verify wire instructions by calling your closing attorney at a number you independently confirm. Never rely on email instructions alone, as wire fraud targeting real estate transactions is extremely common.

Our policy: We provide wire instructions in your initial engagement letter and will never change them. Any different instructions you receive are fraudulent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a temporary paper license? A: No, temporary licenses cannot be used for notarization. You need a physical, valid ID.

Q: What if I forget my checkbook? A: You can obtain a single check from your bank, but this may delay closing.

Q: Can someone else bring my ID for me? A: No, you must personally present your ID and be present for notarization.

Q: What if my wire transfer is too much? A: We can issue a refund check at closing or wire excess funds back to you.

Why Choose Thomas & Webber for Your Closing

At Thomas & Webber, we’ve handled thousands of closings in Mooresville, Huntersville, and Denver, North Carolina. Our goal is to make your closing “fun, smooth, and simple” while ensuring you understand every document in plain English.

Our services include:

• Residential and commercial closings
• Title searches and insurance
• Document preparation and review
• Wire fraud prevention protocols
• Post-closing support

Ready for Your Closing?

Don’t let simple oversights derail your big day. Contact Thomas & Webber at 704-663-1600 or visit thomasandwebber.com to schedule your closing.

Remember: Bring your body, bring your ID, bring your checkbook, and you’re probably in good shape!

Thomas & Webber Law at the Lake serves the Lake Norman area with offices in Mooresville, Huntersville, and Denver, North Carolina. We specialize in real estate closings and estate planning, helping people make smart legal decisions.