When Do I Get the Keys to My Las Vegas Home?
You’ve signed the paperwork, your loan is ready to close, and moving day is getting close.
So when do you actually get the keys to your new Las Vegas home?
Usually, the important milestone isn’t simply signing your closing documents. The transaction still needs to complete the remaining closing steps, which may include funding and recording before ownership officially transfers.
Exactly when you receive possession of the home depends on your purchase agreement and the circumstances of the transaction.
Do I Get the Keys When I Sign My Closing Documents?
Not necessarily.
Signing your closing documents is an important step, but signing alone doesn’t always mean the transaction has closed.
If you’re financing the purchase, the lender generally must complete its funding requirements. The closing documents also need to be processed, and the deed transferring the property must be recorded.
Until those steps are completed, you shouldn’t assume the home is officially yours simply because you’ve signed.
What Happens After I Sign?
Although every transaction can be different, the final stages of a financed Las Vegas home purchase commonly involve:
- Buyer and seller signing the required documents
- The buyer providing any remaining funds required for closing
- The lender authorizing and providing loan funds
- Escrow confirming that closing requirements have been satisfied
- The deed being recorded
- Confirmation that the transaction has closed
Your escrow company, lender, and real estate agent coordinate different parts of this process.
What Does Recording Mean?
Recording is an important part of transferring ownership.
The deed is submitted to the appropriate county recorder so the transfer becomes part of the public record.
For a Las Vegas or Henderson property in Clark County, that means recording with the Clark County Recorder.
Once the transaction has funded and the required documents have recorded, the parties can be notified that the sale has closed.
When Will My Agent Give Me the Keys?
Once closing has been confirmed and you’re entitled to possession under the purchase agreement, arrangements can be made to turn over the keys.
That might happen shortly after confirmation of recording, but buyers shouldn’t plan on a particular hour unless it has been confirmed.
Closing involves several parties, and the timing of funding, document processing, and recording can affect when everything is completed.
Can I Move In as Soon as the Sale Records?
Often possession is delivered at closing, but your purchase agreement controls when you are entitled to possession.
Some transactions may include a different possession arrangement. For example, the seller and buyer could agree that the seller will remain in the property for a period after closing.
If your contract includes a different possession date or arrangement, receiving ownership of the property and physically taking possession may not occur at exactly the same time.
That’s why it’s important to understand the possession terms of your agreement before scheduling movers or assuming you’ll have access to the home.
Should I Schedule Movers for Closing Day?
Be cautious about making plans that depend on receiving the keys at a specific time on closing day.
Even a transaction that appears ready to close can encounter a delay involving funding, documents, recording, or another last-minute issue.
If possible, allowing some flexibility with movers, deliveries, utility appointments, and other arrangements can reduce the problems caused by an unexpected delay.
What Should I Do Before Getting the Keys?
Before closing, buyers typically have an opportunity to conduct a final walkthrough of the property.
The final walkthrough isn’t another home inspection. It gives you an opportunity to see the property shortly before closing and confirm its condition based on the terms of your purchase agreement.
You’ll also want to stay in contact with your lender and escrow company regarding any final documents or funds they require.
And avoid making major financial changes before the transaction closes. A new loan, large purchase, job change, or other change in your finances could potentially affect your mortgage approval.
What Happens Once I Have the Keys?
That’s the fun part.
Once the transaction has closed and you’re entitled to possession, you can begin making the home yours.
Some practical first steps may include:
- Changing or rekeying exterior locks
- Confirming utilities are in your name
- Locating the main water shutoff
- Learning where electrical panels and other important systems are located
- Keeping your closing documents somewhere secure
- Updating your mailing address where necessary
And, eventually, unpacking all those boxes.
Buying a Home in Las Vegas or Henderson?
Getting the keys is one of the most satisfying moments in a home purchase, but quite a bit has to happen before you reach it.
The Le Van Team can help you navigate the process from your initial home search through the offer, inspections, financing, final walkthrough, and closing — right up to the moment the keys are yours.
