The following seven points outline the settlement process from the vantage of our firm's clients.

1. We examine the property title to make certain the seller legitimately owns the property and to determine what, if any, liens or claims exist against the property. A title abstractor carefully sifts through county land records to provide us with copies of the most important documents affecting the property. This search includes a written summary, or abstract, of everything affecting the seller's title. The types of documents we review include deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, judgments, estate documents, and liens for homeowner association dues, among others. Our firm takes the appropriate steps to correct any problems that we discover during our review. Buyers do not settle until we are completely satisfied that the seller's title is sound and title insurance can be issued.
   
   
2. We schedule and coordinate the settlement with your real estate agent (if any) and your lender (if any).
   
   
3. We prepare the HUD-1 Settlement Statement, the deed, and other important documents.
   
   
4. We conduct the settlement, explaining the lender's documents as well as documents that we have prepared, and address any questions that you or the seller may have. Finally, the documents are signed and we collect the necessary funds.
   
   
5. At the close of settlement, we deposit funds in our escrow account and disburse the funds in accordance with the settlement statement. Checks are drawn to pay the seller, lender, real estate broker(s), county, state and others, as appropriate. Afterwards, we coordinate the payoff and release of any mortgages, loans or other debts owed by the seller that affect the property, and make certain that the deed and any deed of trust or mortgage are recorded.
   
   
6. After we receive the deed and other recorded documents from the clerk of the court, we forward them to you and the lender, along with the owner's and lender's title insurance policies.
   
   
7. From beginning to end, we strive to provide you with a calm, professional, and timely real estate settlement.