The closing process
From purchase agreement to keys in hand, in clear steps.
Every Allegiance Title transaction runs through the same six-step process. We acknowledge new orders within one business hour during weekday hours. From that point forward, your closer manages the timeline and communicates with all parties so nothing stalls and no one is left guessing about what comes next. You will know what is happening at every stage.
Six steps to close
Same process on every file, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Open a title orderStep by step
The full timeline, no gaps.
Real timelines. Real deliverables. Each step below shows what happens behind the scenes so buyers, sellers, and agents know what to expect.
Step 01 · Within 1 business hour of receipt
Order opened
Listing or buyer agent submits the purchase agreement and order to orders@miallegiancetitle.com. We acknowledge within one business hour during weekday hours.
- File opened in our system; a dedicated closer is assigned immediately
- Order acknowledgment emailed to listing agent, buyer agent, and lender contact
- Title search vendor engaged; preliminary county records pull begins
Step 02 · 24 to 72 hours after order
Title search and commitment
We pull the title search, examine the chain of title, and issue a title commitment showing exactly what will be insured and any conditions to clear before closing.
- Chain of title traced through prior conveyances at the county Register of Deeds
- Open mortgages, judgments, tax certificates, and liens identified and listed
- Title commitment issued showing Schedule A (insured estate) and Schedule B (exceptions)
Step 03 · 7 to 14 days depending on complexity
Cure and coordination
Any title issues are cleared (payoffs ordered, judgments released, association statements collected). We confirm the closing date with all parties.
- Payoff statements ordered from seller's lender(s); figures confirmed in writing
- Homeowners association statements and estoppels collected when applicable
- Any judgment, lien, or defect cleared by documentation or escrow hold-back
Step 04 · 24 to 48 hours before closing
Documents and figures
Closing documents and the final Closing Disclosure are prepared in coordination with the lender. Wire instructions are delivered through our secure portal.
- Closing Disclosure or ALTA Settlement Statement balanced with lender and agent
- Wire instructions generated and delivered through our secure encrypted portal
- Closing package reviewed for accuracy against title commitment and purchase agreement
Step 05 · Typically 30 to 60 minutes at the table
Signing day
Buyers, sellers, and the closing agent meet at our office (or a pre-approved mobile location). The closer walks every page with you so you sign with confidence.
- Closer walks every document with buyer and seller; no page is left unexplained
- Buyer signs loan documents, deed, and all Michigan-required affidavits
- Seller signs deed, transfer affidavit, and any release documents
Step 06 · Same day for cash; 1 to 2 business days after lender funds
Funding and recording
Lender funds wire in, proceeds disburse, and the deed and mortgage are recorded with the county. Final policies issue once recording confirms.
- Lender wire confirmed received; disbursements released to seller, agents, and vendors
- Deed and mortgage recorded electronically with the county Register of Deeds
- Final Owner's and Lender's policies issued once recording number confirmed
For buyers
What buyers should bring to closing.
Missing items can delay or postpone a closing. This is the complete list. Your closer will confirm specifics as signing day approaches.
Government-issued photo ID
A valid driver's license or passport. Original document required; a phone photo or photocopy is not accepted. Both buyers on title must bring their own ID.
Cashier's check or wire transfer
For closing funds under $50,000 a cashier's check made payable to Allegiance Title Agency is acceptable. For amounts above $50,000 a wire transfer is required by most lenders. Confirm the exact amount from your Closing Disclosure the day before.
Homeowner's insurance binder
Your insurance carrier must provide a binder and payment receipt showing the first full year's premium is paid. Lenders will not authorize funding without it. Arrange your policy at least 48 hours before closing so your agent can send it to the title company.
For sellers
What sellers should bring to closing.
Sellers have fewer items to prepare, but the ones below matter. We handle the payoff coordination so you can focus on handing over the keys.
Government-issued photo ID
Same requirement as buyers. Every seller on title must present an original valid driver's license or passport. If a seller holds title through a trust or LLC, bring the trust certificate or operating agreement as well.
Keys, remotes, and access items
All house keys, garage door remotes, mailbox keys, storage unit keys, gate codes, and alarm system codes. Pool lock keys if applicable. Sellers often forget garage remotes; make a list the day before.
Payoff authorization (pre-submitted)
We request seller payoff statements as part of the cure and coordination step, so you do not need to bring a payoff letter to the table. What helps: confirm your lender name and loan number when you open the file so we can reach them quickly.
After the table
What happens after closing.
Signing day is not the finish line. Recording, policy issuance, and tax adjustments all happen after you leave the table. Here is what to expect.
County recording
Deed and mortgage recorded within 1-2 business days.
We submit the deed and mortgage electronically to the county Register of Deeds as soon as disbursements clear. Once the county assigns a liber and page number, the transaction is publicly on record. Original recorded documents are mailed back to the parties within 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the county.
Final policies
Owner's policy mailed; Lender's policy delivered direct.
Your Owner's title insurance policy is mailed to the buyer within 30 days of recording confirmation. The Lender's policy goes directly to the mortgage servicer. Both policies are filed with Michigan DIFS and remain in effect for as long as you own the property.
Property tax adjustment
Taxes prorated at the table per Michigan custom.
Michigan property taxes are paid in arrears. The settlement statement shows a credit from the seller to the buyer for the portion of the current tax period the seller occupied the home. Future summer and winter tax bills will be mailed to the new owner at the property address on file with the county treasurer.
First mortgage payment
Typically due 30 to 45 days after closing.
Your lender will confirm the exact due date in your loan documents. First payments often land on the first of the second month following closing, depending on when in the month you close. If you close late in the month, prepaid interest covers the gap. Review your Closing Disclosure for the exact first-payment date.
Have a closing coming up
Have a closing coming up?
Send us the purchase agreement and we will open the file, assign a closer, and get the title search moving within one business hour. Questions before you order? Call or email and we will get you an answer fast.