Are you unsure who does what at a Greenwich closing? You are not alone. Between your real estate agent, your closing attorney, your lender, and a title company, it can feel like a lot of moving parts. This guide breaks down each role, the typical timeline, and what you should expect in Greenwich so you can move from contract to keys with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Agent role in Greenwich closings
Your agent is your strategist and project manager. They help you price, present, and negotiate the Purchase and Sale Agreement using standard broker forms. They coordinate inspections and appraisals, keep timelines on track, and communicate milestones to your lender and attorney. They also connect you with trusted local resources, including closing attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and surveyors.
Agents typically do not prepare legal closing documents, clear title issues, or record the deed. Those tasks belong to the closing attorney and title professionals.
Closing attorney role
In Connecticut, closing attorneys routinely lead the legal and settlement side of a transaction. Your attorney drafts or reviews the contract language, prepares the deed and affidavits, and works with lender counsel to finalize mortgage documents. They order and review the title search, resolve liens or encumbrances, and coordinate title insurance.
Your attorney also administers settlement. They prepare the closing or settlement statement, collect and disburse funds, obtain mortgage payoffs, and record the deed and mortgage with the Town Clerk to complete the transfer. After closing, they deliver recorded documents and title policies.
Title companies and insurance
Title companies and underwriters work closely with attorneys in Connecticut. The attorney typically orders the title search and title insurance commitment through a title company, then reviews exceptions and cures defects before closing. If you finance, your lender requires a lender’s policy at closing; you will also usually purchase an owner’s policy to protect your interest.
Who handles title and escrow
- Title search and title insurance: Usually ordered and reviewed by the closing attorney working with a title company.
- Earnest money: Your contract specifies the holder. In many Connecticut deals, an attorney holds the deposit in a client trust account. Some brokerages also hold escrow per state rules.
- Disbursements: The closing attorney or settlement agent disburses funds according to the settlement statement, paying mortgages, taxes, commissions, and seller proceeds.
Key documents and recording
You can expect a deed, settlement statement, affidavits, title insurance commitment, and, if financed, lender documents and a Closing Disclosure. For financed purchases, your lender must provide the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before consummation. The closing attorney records the deed and mortgage with the Greenwich Town Clerk, which completes and secures your ownership.
Greenwich closing timeline
Timing varies by financing, title, and municipal items, but here is a common flow:
- Offer to contract: Offer accepted and Purchase and Sale Agreement signed, often within 1 to 3 days.
- Attorney review: 3 to 14 days for legal review and any contract addenda.
- Earnest money: Due per contract terms, often within a few days of signing.
- Mortgage and appraisal: Underwriting and appraisal typically take 2 to 6 weeks after application.
- Title search and commitment: Initial results often arrive within 1 to 3 weeks; curing issues can add time.
- Condo or HOA documents: Resale packets and reviews often take 7 to 14 days.
- Closing Disclosure: For mortgages, delivered at least 3 business days before closing.
- Final walkthrough: Usually 24 to 48 hours before closing.
- Settlement and recording: Documents signed, funds wired, and deed recorded. Keys release after funds and recording are confirmed.
When to involve an attorney
- Before signing complex terms: If your deal includes unique contingencies, simultaneous closings, or unusual timelines, consult counsel early.
- Title and survey findings: If the search shows liens, easements, or boundary questions, your attorney leads the cure.
- Financing structure: Bridge loans, simultaneous sales and purchases, or complex lender conditions benefit from early legal coordination.
- Condominiums, estates, or trusts: Attorneys review resale packages and confirm authority for estate or trust sellers.
- Disputes or defaults: Engage counsel immediately if a dispute or deposit issue arises.
Local issues to watch
- Coastal and flood factors: Shoreline properties may require flood insurance discussions, elevation certificates, and review of coastal permit histories.
- Septic and well systems: Some areas rely on private systems. Confirm health department records and who is responsible for inspections.
- Condo documentation: Review resale certificates, bylaws, budgets, and any special assessments with your attorney.
- High-value property history: Older estates may have layered easements or covenants that call for deeper title research.
Buyer checklist: who does what
- Your agent
- Advise on offer terms, negotiate price and contingencies.
- Coordinate inspections, appraisals, and access.
- Keep you on schedule for deposits, walkthrough, and closing.
- Refer lenders, inspectors, surveyors, and attorneys.
- Your attorney
- Order and review title search; coordinate title insurance.
- Draft or review deed, legal affidavits, and closing documents.
- Hold escrow funds if designated and manage disbursements.
- Record deed and mortgage; deliver final documents and policies.
Seller checklist: who does what
- Your agent
- Price and present the listing; manage showings and offers.
- Negotiate terms and timelines; coordinate access for the appraisal.
- Track deadlines and prepare for closing and move-out.
- Your attorney
- Prepare the deed and seller affidavits; confirm payoff statements.
- Clear liens or encumbrances that affect transfer.
- Coordinate settlement, disbursements, and recording.
How your team works together
Think of your agent and attorney as a relay team. Your agent drives market strategy, offer structure, and logistics. Your attorney carries the legal baton, clearing title, finalizing documents, and closing the loop with recording. Clear communication among you, your lender, your agent, and your attorney keeps everything moving on time.
Avoiding delays and surprises
- Start attorney review early, even during offer negotiations if terms are complex.
- Choose your lender and provide documents promptly to keep underwriting on schedule.
- Order the title search early to surface and resolve issues before closing week.
- For condos, request resale documents as soon as you go under contract.
- Confirm who holds escrow in the contract and how funds will be wired for closing.
Ready to move forward?
Whether you are buying a shoreline escape or selling a long-held family home, the right team and a clear plan make all the difference. If you would like introductions to trusted Greenwich closing attorneys, lender options, or a step-by-step timeline tailored to your goals, our team is here to help. Connect with the Coastal Collective Team to map your next move with confidence.
FAQs
In Greenwich, who prepares and records the deed?
- The closing attorney prepares the deed and records it with the Town Clerk to complete the transfer.
Who usually holds the earnest money in Connecticut?
- Your contract names the holder, often a buyer’s or seller’s attorney, or in some cases the listing broker’s escrow account.
Who orders the title search and insurance policies?
- The closing attorney typically orders the title search and title insurance commitment through a title company and reviews all exceptions.
When will I see final closing numbers if I have a mortgage?
- Your lender must provide a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, and your attorney will finalize the settlement statement.
Do I need my own attorney if I am financing with a lender?
- Yes, your interests are separate from the lender’s; buyers and sellers in Connecticut commonly have their own closing attorneys.
How are condo documents handled in Greenwich resales?
- Your attorney reviews the resale certificate, bylaws, budget, and any special assessments to confirm compliance and fees.
When will I receive my owner’s title policy?
- Owner’s title insurance is typically issued after recording, once the deed and mortgage have posted to the land records.
