How and when do I get my money after closing?

The money comes from the attorney, by wire

In North Carolina the closing attorney handles the money, not the buyer. Before closing, we wire the full purchase price into the attorney's trust account. After everyone has signed and the attorney records the deed at the county Register of Deeds, they disburse: the mortgage payoff to your lender if you have one, and your proceeds to you.

Your proceeds arrive by wire transfer to the bank account you give the attorney. There is no paper check, no waiting for it to clear, and no trip to pick anything up.

When, exactly

Usually within one business day of the deed being recorded, and often the same day. Recording happens after signatures are complete and the attorney has confirmed the funds. If you sign in the morning, it is common for the wire to go out that afternoon.

Two things can push it to the next business day: a late-afternoon signing, and a county Register of Deeds that has already closed for the day. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days. If your closing lands on a Friday, plan for the money on Friday or Monday.

What you see before you see the money

The attorney gives you a settlement statement before you sign. It lists the purchase price, any mortgage payoff, any advance we gave you before closing, and the amount going to you. Because we pay the closing costs, there are no fees on your side of the statement. See who pays closing costs.

Read it. If a number does not match what you expected, ask before you sign. The attorney and we will both walk through it with you.

Wire safety

Wire fraud is real, and closing attorneys are careful about it. Expect the attorney's office to confirm your bank details with you by phone, using a number they already have, and never to change wiring instructions by email. If you get an email asking you to send money anywhere as part of your sale, stop and call the attorney. You never send money in this process. Money only comes to you.

More than one owner

If the house is owned by several people, the attorney wires each owner their share directly. Nobody has to collect the money and split it up. We explain that on the page about splitting proceeds between heirs.

Proof your mortgage is paid

If you had a mortgage, the payoff appears on the settlement statement and the attorney wires it to your lender at the same time your proceeds are wired to you. See how do I know my mortgage was actually paid off.

Get a written offer with the math shown, or call and ask us anything first.