Resources for a smoother closing.
Helpful answers and practical preparation guidance for Tennessee buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and lenders.
Information for every step.
Find the guidance that fits your role in the transaction.
Buyers & Sellers
Understand the steps leading up to settlement, including identification, final figures, signing, and what to expect on closing day.
Learn more →02Title Insurance
Learn why title searches are performed, what title insurance generally covers, and the difference between owner’s and lender’s policies.
Learn more →03Earnest Money
Find guidance on deposits and secure payment options. Always confirm payment instructions directly with our office.
Learn more →04Agents & Lenders
Practical transaction coordination information for professionals submitting contracts and preparing clients for closing.
Learn more →A little preparation goes a long way.
Every closing is different. Your coordinator will confirm the specific requirements for your transaction.
Before your appointment
- Confirm the appointment time, location, and who must attend.
- Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
- Review documents and requests from your lender and closing team.
- Confirm the approved method and exact amount of any funds due.
- Ask in advance about powers of attorney, entities, trusts, or remote signing needs.
What does title insurance do?
Title examination helps identify recorded ownership interests, liens, easements, and other matters that may affect a transfer. Title insurance provides protection against certain covered risks under the issued policy.
An owner's policy and a lender's policy protect different insured interests. Coverage is governed by the actual policy and its exceptions.
Common title questions
- Are there existing mortgages or recorded liens?
- Are easements or restrictions shown in the public records?
- What documents are needed to clear title requirements?
- What exceptions and exclusions apply to the policy?
Earnest money, handled carefully.
Earnest money is typically deposited in accordance with the purchase contract and applicable escrow instructions. Our team can confirm accepted methods and how to identify your transaction.
Earnest Money InformationVerify before you send funds.
Real estate transactions are targets for email and wire fraud. Never rely solely on emailed wiring instructions or unexpected changes. Independently call our office using a phone number you already know is correct before transferring funds.
Do not use a telephone number supplied only in a suspicious email.
Keep your transaction moving.
Our Waverly team coordinates title, escrow, and settlement matters with real estate professionals and lenders. Early communication helps identify requirements and avoid last-minute surprises.
Helpful information when opening a file
- Fully executed purchase agreement and relevant amendments.
- Property address and contact details for the parties.
- Anticipated closing date and lender information, if applicable.
- Any known title concerns or special signing arrangements.
Answers before closing day.
General guidance to help you prepare. Specific requirements will depend on your transaction.
What should I bring to closing?
Bring an unexpired government-issued photo ID and any documents your closing coordinator specifically requests. Confirm whether additional identification, entity documents, or other items are needed for your transaction.
How long does a real estate closing take?
Timing varies with the transaction, title examination, lender requirements, document preparation, and scheduling. Your closing coordinator can provide a more useful estimate once the file has been reviewed.
What is the difference between an owner’s and lender’s title policy?
A lender’s policy generally protects the lender’s insured interest, while an owner’s policy generally protects the owner against covered title risks, subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy.
When will I know my final closing costs?
Final amounts depend on the contract, loan terms, prorations, title requirements, and other transaction-specific items. Your lender and closing coordinator will provide applicable disclosures and figures.
Can I send earnest money or closing funds electronically?
Available methods depend on the transaction and the office’s current procedures. Contact Three Rivers Title using a previously verified phone number before sending funds or acting on any wiring instructions.
Can someone sign remotely or outside the office?
Some transactions may permit mail-away or other approved signing arrangements. Availability depends on the documents, lender, underwriter, and applicable law. Contact our team in advance.
We're here to help.
Connect with Three Rivers Title for transaction-specific guidance.