Sellers
Selling demands accuracy, oversight, and clear execution.
We coordinate each stage to ensure title is cleared, figures are confirmed, and proceeds are delivered without disruption.
The Sale Framework
United Title & Escrow manages the closing process with structured oversight, clear communication, and careful execution to ensure your transaction concludes smoothly.
Oversight
Public records are reviewed to confirm ownership and identify any obligations that must be resolved prior to transfer. Payoff statements, HOA or condominium balances, and required documentation are coordinated early to ensure readiness for settlement.
Requirements identified, obligations resolved, readiness established.
Transparency
Settlement statements are prepared and reviewed in advance to confirm commissions, taxes, payoffs, and projected proceeds. Financial details are communicated clearly prior to signing.
Figures confirmed, proceeds understood, expectations aligned.
Execution
From final document preparation to recording and disbursement, each step is managed with precision. Funds are distributed promptly once recording is confirmed.
Title conveyed properly, obligations satisfied, proceeds delivered securely.
The Seller Transaction Process
Real estate sales move through defined milestones, guided by a team of professionals including agents, lenders, and settlement providers. Each plays a critical role at different stages of the transaction.
Our team coordinates closely with all parties, managing the closing components with disciplined execution to ensure title clearance, accurate figures, and timely delivery of proceeds.
Listing the Property
The property is marketed and positioned for sale.
Contract Ratification
An offer is accepted. Terms, contingencies, and timelines are established.
Property Inspections
(when applicable)
The buyer conducts inspections and negotiates any agreed-upon repairs or adjustments.
Property Appraisal
(when applicable)
The lender orders an appraisal to confirm market value and support financing.
Closing Preparation
Payoff statements are obtained, HOA or condominium balances are verified, and required documentation is gathered to prepare for settlement.
title Review
Public records are examined to confirm ownership and identify any liens, judgments, or encumbrances that must be resolved prior to transfer.
Buyer's Clear to Close
(when financing is involved)
The buyer’s lender confirms all underwriting conditions have been satisfied.
Figures Review & Approval
Settlement statements are prepared and reviewed to confirm proceeds and closing costs.
Closing
Documents are executed and ownership is transferred.
Recording
Ownership and collateral (when financing is involved) officially documented in the county’s public land records.
Disbursement
Sale proceeds are distributed in accordance with the settlement statement after recording is confirmed.
Seller Guidance
What Sellers Often Ask
Sellers are responsible for delivering clear and marketable title at closing. Any recorded obligations must be resolved prior to transfer. The title review process identifies requirements early, allowing issues to be addressed efficiently and the transaction to move forward without delay.
If a lien, judgment, or other encumbrance is identified during the title review, it must be resolved before closing. Our team works proactively to address and clear requirements in order to prevent delays and protect the transaction.
The timeline varies depending on financing, inspections, and contract terms. Most residential transactions close within 30 to 45 days of contract ratification.
Seller closing costs may include:
Real estate commission
Transfer taxes (where applicable)
Title-related fees
Existing lien or mortgage payoffs
HOA or condominium balances
All figures are reviewed in advance to ensure accuracy and clarity prior to settlement.
The timing of seller proceeds depends on the property’s location and the requirements of the transaction.
For Maryland properties, proceeds may often be disbursed at the closing table, once documents have been executed and funds have been received.
For Virginia properties, proceeds are disbursed after the deed has been recorded, which typically occurs within 24–48 hours following closing.
In all transactions, disbursement must also comply with any applicable lender requirements, including the lender’s final disbursement authorization when financing is involved.
Our team ensures proceeds are distributed promptly and in accordance with the settlement statement.
Yes. If there is an existing mortgage or lien on the property, it will be paid directly from the proceeds of the sale at closing.
Prior to settlement, our team obtains the official payoff statements from your lender and verifies the exact amount required to satisfy the loan. At closing, those funds are distributed according to the settlement statement to ensure the loan is fully paid and released.
Sellers have several options for completing their closing depending on the transaction and the preferences of the parties involved. Our goal is to provide a secure and convenient closing experience. Available options may include:
In-Office Closing – Sellers meet with the settlement agent to review and sign the required documents. Closings can be conducted at our offices in Lake Ridge, VA; Tysons Corner, VA; Alexandria, VA; or Rockville, MD.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) – When appropriate, documents may be signed during an online notary session with a qualified notary.
Location Closings – When appropriate, closings may take place at a real estate office, the property, or another mutually convenient location with a qualified notary.
After-Hours Closings – Available when scheduling requires additional flexibility.
These options are offered as part of our service and typically involve no additional cost.
Not necessarily. Many sellers choose to sign their documents in advance or remotely when scheduling requires additional flexibility.
Depending on the transaction and the selected closing option, sellers may complete their documents in office, online or remotely with a notary, at another mutually convenient location. See Closing Options Available for sellers.
Our team coordinates with your real estate professional to ensure all documents are ready so the transaction can proceed smoothly.
Seller signings are typically completed within 30 minutes. Documents are reviewed efficiently in a structured setting to ensure accurate and timely execution.
At closing, sellers typically sign:
The deed transferring ownership
Settlement statement or closing disclosure
Affidavits related to title
Payoff authorizations (if applicable)
Each document is reviewed in a structured and transparent setting.
Sellers should bring the following items to ensure the closing appointment proceeds smoothly:
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for identity verification and notarization
A voided check, if you would like your sale proceeds delivered by wire transfer
Any documents requested by your real estate professional or settlement agent
Your settlement agent will guide you through the process and review each document to ensure everything is properly completed.
Following settlement:
The deed is recorded
Existing liens are paid off
Proceeds are disbursed
The title insurance policy is issued
Ownership is formally transferred once recording is complete.
Looking for more guidance?
Contact us if you need helpful information, trusted service providers, and tools to support your transaction.
