• Your real estate attorney
• Buyers' real estate attorney
• Your real estate agent
• Buyers' real estate agent
• Mortgage loan officer
• Closing agent —usually the attorney for the buyer or seller.

What happens?
The closing agent looks over the purchase contract and figures out what payments are owed and by whom; prepares documents for the closing; conducts the closing; makes sure taxes, title searches, real estate commissions and other closing costs are paid; ensures that the buyer's title is recorded; and, of course, ensures that you are paid!

What to bring.
Here are a few things you'll probably need to take to the closing:
• House keys
• Garage door opener
• A picture ID

Common seller costs at closing.
Among the things you'll have to pay at closing are:
• Mortgage balance and prepayment penalties, if applicable
• Other claims against your property, such as unpaid property taxes
• Unpaid special assessments—such as local government charges for new sidewalks
• Document stamps (or taxes) on the deed
• Real estate agent commission (6% is typical in Florida)
• Legal fee or title insurance premium. If your attorney issues your title insurance, you will typically not have to pay a separate fee for legal services.

Transfer of title.
"Transfer of title" moves ownership of the property from you to the buyer. The two events that make this happen are:

• Delivery of the buyer's funds. This is the check or wire funds provided by the buyer's lender in the amount of the loan.

• Delivery of the deed. A deed is the document that transfers ownership of real estate. The deed names the seller and buyer, gives a legal description of the property and contains the (notarized) signature of the seller and two witnesses.

Depending on your particular situation, one type of deed may benefit you more than another. Your real estate attorney can advise you. Once the buyer has accepted the deed, the property no longer belongs to you.

Your attorney by your side.
Your real estate attorney can make the difference between a smooth closing and one that falls apart at the seams! Closing-day crises can be resolved or avoided altogether, thanks to an attorney's legal and problem-solving skills. Without an attorney present, you might face issues such as:
• Paying excessive taxes because payments weren't negotiated in your favor
• A purchase contract that isn't enforceable, complete or consistent with your original intent
• Breach of contract caused by a lack of full understanding of the purchase contract terms and contingencies
• Lawsuits resulting from not understanding your responsibilities for seller disclosure

Most of all, your real estate attorney gives you the comfort of knowing that your best interests are being upheld throughout the closing process.