Practical checklists and guidance from Real Estate Law Group to help you prepare clients, flag questions early, and coordinate with the closing team.
START A TRANSACTION
Send us a new deal
Accepted offer? Let’s get the closing started. Email the signed contract and transaction details to closings@relawgrp.com. A complete submission helps our team open the file and get everyone connected.
Dates and deposits: Inspection, mortgage contingency, and closing dates, along with deposit amounts and any outstanding deposit deadlines.
Condo or HOA information: Association or management company contact information, if applicable.
Special circumstances: Flag estates, trusts, entities, tenants, solar agreements, or known title, permit, or municipal issues.
Use our secure delivery process for sensitive information; do not email banking details.
What happens next?
Our team opens the file and introduces your assigned closing paralegal and overseeing attorney. Your clients receive information about next steps, wire security through CertifID, and closing scheduling.
Once inspections are complete and the buyer is moving forward, please notify the attorney so title can be ordered.
Your assigned closing attorney and closing paralegal will be your day-to-day contacts throughout the transaction. Please include both on emails so the entire closing team stays informed and can respond promptly.
Calendar the key dates. Track the inspection contingency deadline, mortgage contingency deadline, and closing date, plus any separate notice deadlines and signed extensions. Our office coordinates closing appointments, but scheduling changes do not automatically extend contractual deadlines.
Wire instructions: Our office delivers wiring instructions through CertifID. Remind clients to call us using a trusted number if they receive instructions another way. Review wire-fraud protection.
1. Getting started
Item and next step
Responsible
Send our office the fully executed contract
We open the file once we have it. Copy your buyer and the loan officer if you can.
Agent
Connect your buyer with their assigned attorney
We will go over the process, fees and next steps. Please provide the client’s phone number.
Agent / RELG
Let the attorney know when inspections are resolved and the buyer is moving forward
Once all inspections are complete and any inspection issues are resolved, notify the attorney so title can be ordered. Tell us promptly if inspections are waived.
Agent / Buyer
Buyer signs and returns our retainer agreement
It should come back once inspections are complete so we can order searches without delay.
Buyer
Buyer makes a municipal search election on the retainer
Review the municipal search option with our office. It can identify building, zoning, and other municipal issues. Discuss the implications of declining it and how any identified issues will be addressed.
Buyer
Buyer completes the CertifID process promptly
Use the instructions delivered through CertifID as soon as the link arrives; access can expire. CertifID provides the instructions, and the buyer sends the wire through their bank. Call our office if access has expired.
Buyer
2. Contract and deposit
Item and next step
Responsible
Formal contract review
We send the formal contract to the buyer and are available for a call to review it.
RELG / Buyer
Buyer signs and returns the contract
Printed single-sided and returned with the prepaid FedEx label from our office. E-signing is also available on request.
Buyer
Buyer sends the deposit
Check payable to the seller’s attorney, “As Trustee,” in the amount stated in the contract. The seller’s attorney will cash it, so funds must be available. The deposit can also be wired.
Buyer
3. Financing if applicable
Item and next step
Responsible
Track the mortgage contingency deadline
Check lender commitment status well before the deadline. If a satisfactory commitment is not ready, notify our office before the date passes to discuss an extension or required notice. Missing a deadline can put the deposit at risk.
Agent / Buyer
Send our office the lender’s contact information
Lets us coordinate title, figures and closing documents.
Agent / Buyer
Buyer responds promptly to lender requests
Delays on the loan side are the most common reason a closing date moves.
Buyer / Lender
Buyer gets homeowner’s insurance and gives the details to the lender
The lender will need proof of coverage before closing.
Buyer
4. Condo and HOA properties if applicable
Item and next step
Responsible
Buyer reviews the resale certificate and association documents
Review the package promptly, including fees, assessments, restrictions, and intended use. Ask our office to confirm the applicable review and cancellation deadline. Send association-specific questions to the HOA or management company.
Buyer
New-owner forms in the resale package
Many associations require registration or new-owner forms at closing or shortly after. Our office will tell the buyer what applies.
RELG / Buyer
5. Before closing
Item and next step
Responsible
Confirm closing date and time with our office
Wait for our office to confirm the appointment before treating the schedule as final. The contractual closing date and any penalties still matter; discuss any needed extension before the date passes.
RELG
Buyer retrieves wire instructions from CertifID and sends closing funds
By wire or certified/bank check as directed by our office. Personal checks are not accepted for closing funds.
Buyer
Leased solar panels: solar lease assumption
Should be completed with the solar company before closing so the account can transfer.
Buyer / Seller
Final walk-through
Confirm the property’s condition and any agreed repairs before closing. Let us know right away if there is an issue.
Agent / Buyer
Buyer arranges utilities to transfer as of closing
Electric, gas, water/sewer, internet and oil/propane, as applicable.
Buyer
6. Closing day
Item and next step
Responsible
Every signer brings valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
Confirm who must sign with our office in advance, including any entity representative or authorized signer. Sign names exactly as directed on the documents.
Buyer
Buyer brings any funds not already wired
Certified or bank check only, as directed by our office.
Buyer
Non-borrowing spouse attendance
Some lenders require a spouse to sign certain documents. We will tell the buyer in advance.
RELG
FOR AGENTS REPRESENTING SELLERS
Seller closing checklist
A reference for agents working with Real Estate Law Group. Help your client complete open items and keep our team informed.
Calendar the key dates. Track the inspection contingency deadline, mortgage contingency deadline, and closing date, plus any separate notice deadlines and signed extensions. Our office coordinates closing appointments, but scheduling changes do not automatically extend contractual deadlines.
1. Getting started
Item and next step
Responsible
Send our office the fully executed contract and the buyer’s attorney information
We open the file and send our introduction email to the seller once we have both.
Agent
Seller reviews and signs the buyer-signed contract and any riders
We are available to answer questions before signing. Items the seller agreed to fix or leave behind should be clear.
Seller / RELG
2. Seller information after inspections
Item and next step
Responsible
Seller completes our Seller Checklist and Client Authorization
Return promptly using the delivery method our office provides. Routine questions may be sent to closings@relawgrp.com; ask for a secure method for sensitive personal and account information.
Seller
Mortgage and lien information
Lender name, phone and loan number for every mortgage or line of credit. The authorization lets us request payoffs.
Seller
Personal information for each seller
Provide full legal name, marital status, phone, email, and any requested taxpayer identification information directly to our office through the secure method we specify. Do not send Social Security numbers through ordinary email.
Seller
Forwarding address
Where we send anything after closing.
Seller
Tenants (if any)
Provide copies of all current leases, tenant names, monthly rent, security deposit and lease term, and whether tenants will be out by closing.
Seller / Agent
Oil and propane
Company name and phone number.
Seller
Water and sewer
Company name and account number, so final bills can be ordered.
Seller
Repairs and credits
Details of any repairs the seller is making and any credits to the buyer. Please send us any amendments or addenda as soon as they are signed.
Seller / Agent
3. Condo and HOA properties if applicable
Item and next step
Responsible
Seller orders the resale certificate and condo documents from the association
A digital copy should come to our office as soon as it is received.
Seller
HOA account details
Dues and assessments paid to date, any open special assessment, and any credit on the account.
Seller
Seller cancels automatic common charge payments
Timing should be confirmed with the management company so the seller is not charged after closing.
Seller
Right of first refusal waiver (if the association has one)
Our office will follow up with the association.
RELG
4. Before closing
Item and next step
Responsible
Let us know right away if the seller’s mortgage servicer is changing
Servicing transfers can delay payoff letters and the closing.
Seller / Agent
Agreed repairs completed, with reports and paid receipts
Complete the work as required by the signed agreement, using a licensed contractor or professional where specified. Send reports, paid receipts, and available photos before closing.
Seller / Agent
Address open permits and municipal issues
Flag any open items identified by the municipal search and discuss the required resolution and timing with our office under the contract.
Seller / RELG
Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements
Ask our office which affidavit or documentation applies to the sale, and confirm the required detectors are installed and working.
Seller
Leased or financed solar panels: send us the solar contract
The buyer will need it early to review and assume or address the agreement.
Seller / Agent
Seller tells us how they want their proceeds
Wire to an account in the seller’s name, or check.
Seller
Wired proceeds: seller completes CertifID when requested
If our office sends a CertifID request for banking information, complete it promptly and use that secure process. Call our office about any unexpected request or changed account details.
Seller
5. Closing day and after
Item and next step
Responsible
Every signer brings valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
Confirm who must sign with our office in advance, including any entity representative or authorized signer. Sign names exactly as directed on the documents.
Seller
Keys, garage door openers and access codes
Left as arranged between the agents.
Agent / Seller
Seller keeps utilities and homeowner’s insurance in place until closing is confirmed
Then cancels or transfers them.
Seller
REALTOR FIELD GUIDE
Closing timeline
A sequence of milestones, not a fixed schedule. Follow the signed contract and amendments; some stages overlap.
1. Contract and intake
Day 0 and the first few days
Send the executed contract, introduce the transaction team, and calendar the deadlines.
Buyer side
Send our office the fully executed contract, copying the buyer and loan officer.
Our office contacts the buyer and sends an introduction with the assigned RELG staff member.
Buyer receives the retainer agreement and municipal search election.
Record the inspection contingency, mortgage contingency, and closing dates, plus separate notice deadlines.
Seller side
Send the executed contract and buyer’s attorney contact information.
Our office sends the introduction, Seller Checklist, and Client Authorization.
Coordinate review and signing of the buyer-signed formal contract and riders as applicable.
Flag tenants, solar agreements, estates/probate, foreclosures, and other unusual circumstances early.
Agent tip: Include lender, attorney, co-agent, and client contact information in your first email.
2. Inspections and financing
Through the inspection and mortgage contingency deadlines
Keep inspections, financing, and signed amendments moving.
Buyer side
Notify the attorney once inspections are complete, issues are resolved, and the buyer is moving forward so title can be ordered. If inspections are waived, tell us immediately.
Buyer returns the signed retainer so searches can proceed without delay.
Coordinate formal contract signing and the deposit under our office’s instructions; checks are payable to the seller’s attorney “As Trustee” when directed.
For condos, review the resale package promptly and confirm the applicable review/cancellation deadline with our office.
Track lender requests, appraisal, and commitment status. Tell us before the mortgage contingency deadline if an extension or notice may be needed.
Seller side
Seller returns the completed Seller Checklist and Client Authorization once the buyer is through inspections.
For condos, order the resale certificate and association documents and send our office a digital copy.
Send repair agreements, seller credits, and other amendments promptly after signing.
Report any mortgage-servicer change immediately.
Agent tip: If financing is not ready, contact our office before the deadline. An extension request alone does not pause contractual deadlines.
3. Title and closing preparation
Often 2–3 weeks before closing; start earlier when needed
Coordinate outstanding documents and resolve issues under the contract.
Buyer side
Our office reviews title and any ordered municipal search results and coordinates questions with the seller’s attorney.
Buyer arranges homeowner’s insurance and provides required details to the lender.
Buyer completes the CertifID process and obtains wire instructions through CertifID only.
For leased solar, coordinate any required assumption with the provider; send questions to our office.
Respond promptly to remaining lender conditions and requests from the closing team.
Seller side
Our office requests payoffs using the seller’s authorization; provide information for all mortgages, credit lines, and liens.
Discuss open permits and other municipal items with our office and coordinate any required resolution.
Provide water/sewer information, final readings when requested, and current HOA account details.
Complete agreed repairs as specified, and provide reports and paid receipts before closing.
Send solar agreements and any available payoff or transfer documents early.
Agent tip: Flag liens, estate matters, and past work without permits early. Do not wait until closing week to share available documents.
4. Final coordination
Closing week
Confirm the appointment, funds, walkthrough, signing, and possession.
Buyer side
Wait for our office to confirm the closing date and time before treating the appointment as final.
Complete the final walkthrough and report condition or repair issues immediately.
Review closing figures with the lender and attorney; obtain the final funds amount from our team.
Send funds by wire using verified CertifID instructions, or certified/bank check as directed. Personal checks are not accepted for closing funds.
Confirm required signers and bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification.
Seller side
Coordinate pre-signing or attendance at closing with our office and bring valid photo identification.
Confirm how proceeds should be paid. Complete any CertifID request for banking details promptly.
Confirm applicable smoke/CO detector affidavit and other closing-document requirements with our office.
Arrange keys, garage openers, access codes, vacancy, and possession as required by the contract.
Keep utilities and homeowner’s insurance in place until closing is confirmed, then coordinate cancellation or transfer.
Agent tip: Tell our office immediately about walkthrough problems, missing funds, signing conflicts, or possession changes.
After closing
Our office coordinates recording and disbursement. Ask us about copies of the recorded deed or final settlement statement, and confirm the agreed handoff of keys and possession.
Three reminders for every client
Dates: Our office confirms the closing appointment. The contractual closing date remains important; any needed extension must be addressed under the contract.
Wires: Instructions from our office come through CertifID. If instructions arrive another way, pause and call our office using a trusted number.
Response time: Prompt replies to lender, attorney, and association requests help prevent avoidable delays.
Some properties and situations need extra documents or extra time to close. As the agent, you can help by identifying concerns, gathering available documents, and keeping the parties informed. Our office can review what you provide, discuss the next steps, and coordinate legal questions with the transaction team.
Not every document applies to every transaction. Do not wait for a complete package before flagging an issue. Share what you have and contact us early about questions or upcoming deadlines. Use our secure process for sensitive documents.
Property features and municipal records
Solar panels
Owned, financed, or leased solar systems can affect the sale. Identify the arrangement early so transfer requirements can be addressed.
Documents & next steps
Solar systems may be owned outright, financed, leased, or covered by a power purchase agreement (PPA). Each one is handled differently at closing. Leased and PPA systems usually have to be formally assumed by the buyer, which requires the buyer's approval by the solar company. Financed systems may need to be paid off.
Documents to request
The solar lease, loan, or power purchase agreement, including all amendments.
A current statement showing any outstanding balance, the monthly payment, the remaining term, and payoff or transfer information.
Provider or lender contact information, plus any transfer, warranty, monitoring, or service documents.
Any UCC filing or notice recorded on the land records for the system, if available.
Coordinate with our office
Send the solar documents early, ideally before the buyer's inspection period ends. The buyer needs time to review the actual terms. If the terms differ from what was represented at the start, it can derail a deal late in the process. Leased systems can take weeks to transfer, so start the assumption application right away.
Shared driveways
Shared access can raise questions about use, maintenance, and costs. Gather the recorded agreements before questions delay closing.
Documents & next steps
Shared or easement driveways raise questions about who has the right to use the driveway, who maintains it, and how costs are split. Some lenders and title insurers want these rights documented in writing.
Documents to request
The recorded driveway, access, easement, or maintenance agreement, and any amendments.
A survey or map showing the driveway and access area, if available.
Any written cost-sharing arrangements, recent repair invoices, or notices of disputes with neighbors.
Coordinate with our office
Share the documents and flag any questions about access, maintenance, or shared costs. If there's no written agreement, tell us early. One may need to be prepared and signed before closing.
Condominiums and HOAs
Associations add documents, deadlines, and fees. Request the resale package early and flag review questions promptly.
Documents & next steps
Associations add documents, deadlines, and fees to the transaction. Applicable resale-document review and cancellation deadlines depend on the law, delivery method, and transaction. Ask our office to confirm the deadline and review concerns before it expires.
Documents to request
The resale certificate and resale package, plus association or management company contact information.
The declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations.
The current budget, recent financial statements, reserve information, insurance summary, and any available meeting minutes.
Notices of special assessments, pending projects, litigation, or restrictions affecting the unit, such as rental, pet, or parking rules.
Coordinate with our office
For sellers: Order the resale package as soon as the buyer is through inspections, and send our office a digital copy.
For buyers: Questions about rules and finances usually go to the association or management company.
Anything unusual: Tell us if you know of a delinquent balance, collection activity, a right of first refusal, or any other unusual condition. A delinquent account may require a payoff, release, and confirmation of the updated association ledger (see Liens, Judgments and Delinquent Accounts below).
Open permits and municipal issues
Missing approvals and unresolved town records can delay closing. Gather the permit history and flag questions before they become urgent.
Documents & next steps
Documents to request
Gather available permits, final approvals, certificates of occupancy, and town notices.
Coordinate with our office
Send the records to your assigned closing attorney and closing paralegal.
An owner’s death can affect who owns the property and who may sign. Gather the estate records and identify the representative early.
Documents & next steps
When an owner has died, the deed and estate documents help determine who owns the property and who can sign. Some sales require estate administration or probate court approval.
Documents to request
The probate court name and file number, if an estate has been opened.
The executor or administrator appointment certificate (fiduciary certificate) or decree.
Any will admitted to probate, and any court orders or decrees relating to the property or its sale.
The current deed, a death certificate, and contact information for the estate representative.
Coordinate with our office
Send what you have and tell us the status of the estate and who plans to sign. If no estate has been opened, tell us immediately so we can discuss whether one is needed. Estate administration and any required sale authority can take time.
LLCs, trusts and ownership changes
Entity ownership and proposed transfers raise signing-authority questions. Identify the owner and intended signers early.
Documents & next steps
When the owner is an LLC, corporation, or trust, or when the owners want to move the property into or out of an entity, we need proof of who can sign. We also need the current deed to prepare any new deed.
Documents to request
The current recorded deed. This is a separate document from the mortgage or loan package.
For LLCs: the articles of organization, operating agreement, and a current certificate of good standing (legal existence).
For trusts: the trust agreement or a certification of trust identifying the trustee.
Coordinate with our office
Let us know early who will be signing and in what capacity. Moving a mortgaged property into an LLC may also need the lender's attention.
Powers of attorney, divorce and unavailable owners
Required signers may need special documents or advance arrangements. Flag these circumstances before closing is scheduled.
Documents & next steps
All required owners or their authorized representatives must participate in the transfer. Confirm the required signers with our office. A spouse may also need to sign certain lender documents even if they aren't on the loan.
Documents to request
Any power of attorney the seller or buyer plans to use. It often needs advance approval from the lender and title insurer.
A divorce decree or separation agreement if an owner is divorced or divorcing.
The divorce attorney’s name, firm, phone number, and email address.
The contact information and location of any owner who will not attend closing in person.
Coordinate with our office
Flag these as soon as you know about them. Remote signings and powers of attorney need advance coordination; do not assume they can be arranged on closing day.
Tenant-occupied properties
Leases, possession, rent, and security deposits need coordination. Confirm whether tenants will remain or the property must be delivered vacant.
Documents & next steps
Lenders often ask whether a property will be vacant at closing. Leases and security deposits also have to be accounted for.
Documents to request
Current leases, tenant names, monthly rent, security deposit amounts, and lease end dates.
Confirmation of whether tenants will be staying or leaving by closing.
For Section 8 or other subsidized tenancies: the housing authority contract and contact information.
Coordinate with our office
Tell us early if the property is occupied, and whether the buyer expects it delivered vacant. Rent adjustments and the transfer or accounting of security deposits need to be coordinated under the contract and applicable requirements. Subsidized tenancies may need a transfer of the housing payment contract.
Title, payoffs and distressed sales
Foreclosures and short sales
Court deadlines and lender approval can affect whether and when a sale closes. Flag these transactions and their key dates immediately.
Documents & next steps
A foreclosure involves court proceedings and deadlines; a short sale generally requires lender approval because the sale proceeds will not cover the debt. Court dates, approval conditions, and expiration dates can affect whether and when the transaction closes.
Documents to request
The foreclosure complaint or notice the owner received, and the docket number, if available.
The latest judgment, orders, and any notices stating a sale date or law day.
Current lender or servicer correspondence, and any available payoff, reinstatement, or short sale approval.
For auction or bank-owned sales: The sale terms, seller addenda, and court or seller documents.
Coordinate with our office
Call us right away, share what you have, and flag any upcoming court, sale, or law-day dates. Short sales need written lender approval before closing, and that approval usually has an expiration date.
Liens, judgments and delinquent accounts
Unpaid debts and recorded claims may need to be resolved at closing. Share collection notices and account information early.
Documents & next steps
Unpaid debts and recorded claims can affect title, closing figures, and the transfer. They may need to be paid, released, or otherwise resolved as part of closing. If a release isn't confirmed, the new owner can be left dealing with collection activity after closing.
Documents to request
Any collection letters, judgments, or lis pendens the seller has received.
Contact information for the collection attorney or creditor.
The HOA ledger showing the current balance and any special assessments.
Coordinate with our office
Flag any known delinquency as soon as possible. Payoffs from collection attorneys often need extra time, and the satisfaction or release has to be confirmed with both the attorney and the association.
Mortgage servicer changes
A loan transfer can delay the seller’s payoff letter. Notify the closing team as soon as a servicing change is announced.
Documents & next steps
When a seller's loan is transferred to a new servicer during the transaction, payoff letters can be delayed. Sometimes the closing date has to move.
Documents to request
The servicing transfer notice (the "goodbye" and "hello" letters).
The loan number with both the old and new servicer.
Coordinate with our office
Tell us right away if a seller mentions their loan is being transferred, so we can request the payoff from the correct servicer.
Title search issues
Old unreleased mortgages and other title defects can require corrective documents. Share any unusual ownership or payoff history early.
Documents & next steps
The title search sometimes turns up old mortgages that were never released, breaks in the chain of title, or other defects. Some can be fixed quickly. Others need the title underwriter's approval or corrective documents, and an affidavit is not always enough.
Documents to request
Any paperwork the seller has showing old mortgages were paid off, such as a paid-in-full letter or release.
Prior deeds, estate documents, or court orders relating to past transfers.
Coordinate with our office
We'll let you know if anything comes up. Ask your seller early whether they know of any unusual history, such as a prior estate, a divorce transfer, or a family transfer.
CHECK RECORDS EARLY
Open permits & municipal issues
A little preparation before listing can prevent a last-minute closing delay.
Renovations, additions, and other property improvements may leave behind unresolved permits or missing approvals. Agents can help by gathering records early and bringing questions to our office before they become urgent.
Understanding the records
A municipal search reviews available town records for permits, approvals, and potential municipal issues. Depending on the property and the search ordered, records may come from building, zoning, health, fire, wetlands, or other departments.
An open permit generally means a permit was issued but the records do not show the required final approval or closure. A certificate of occupancy (CO) documents approval for applicable construction or use. Some work receives a different form of final approval.
An “inactive” or expired permit does not necessarily establish that the work received final approval. Older properties may also have incomplete records.
How agents can help
Ask early: What work was done, when was it completed, and were permits obtained?
Request documents: Permit numbers, permit applications, inspection results, COs or certificates of approval, certificates of zoning compliance, and any violation notices or town correspondence.
For renovated homes: Request the permit history and final approvals before listing whenever possible.
Flag discrepancies: Let our office know if the property’s layout or use appears different from the available approvals—for example, a finished basement, added bathroom, converted garage, or additional dwelling unit.
Share what you receive: Send the records to both your assigned closing attorney and closing paralegal so we can discuss their significance and the next steps.
If an open permit appears
Notify our office promptly. Depending on the permit, contract, and transaction requirements, the seller may need to coordinate with the town and the appropriate contractor to obtain inspections or documentation.
Appointments and corrective work can take time. Our office can help assess the records, discuss the issue with the transaction participants, and identify what needs to be addressed before closing.
Your assigned closing attorney and closing paralegal will be your day-to-day contacts throughout the transaction. Please include both on emails so the entire closing team stays informed and can respond promptly.
Connecticut’s nine-year building permit rule
Connecticut law provides that certain building permits are deemed closed nine years after issuance when a certificate of occupancy has not been issued. This applies to qualifying construction or alterations involving one- or two-family dwellings and structures on the same parcel. The statute also limits enforcement actions based on work performed under those permits.
This does not mean every property issue disappears after nine years. Closure under this provision does not itself issue a CO or establish that the work passed inspection. Work performed without a permit, separate municipal approvals or violations, and transaction requirements need their own assessment.
For agents: Request the permit’s issuance date and available records, then share them with our office. We can discuss whether the rule applies and whether additional documentation is needed for the transaction.
Your clients trust you to guide them through a major transaction. When you work with Real Estate Law Group, they also benefit from our investment in wire-fraud prevention. Our office uses CertifID, a specialist in real estate wire-fraud prevention, to add protection to the wiring process and help protect your clients' money.
How our use of CertifID benefits your clients
Secure wire instructions: A secure way to share wiring information, reducing reliance on ordinary email attachments.
Identity verification: Checks designed to help confirm that the people involved are who they say they are.
Bank-account verification: Tools to validate recipient banking information before funds are sent.
Additional protection: CertifID offers insurance-backed protection for eligible verified transactions and fraud-recovery assistance. You and your clients can ask our team which protections apply to their transaction.
Using CertifID adds a layer of protection; clients should still follow our verification instructions and remain alert to suspicious messages.
What to reinforce with your clients
Encourage clients to follow the CertifID process provided by our office. If they receive an unexpected link or request, have them call us before opening it or entering information.
Remind clients to confirm wiring instructions directly with our office using a phone number they already know and trust. They should not use a new number supplied in a suspicious email or text.
Flag changed bank details, urgent payment demands, and requests to bypass verification. If you or your client sees any of these warning signs, pause and contact our office.
Direct clients to the secure method our team specifies for banking details and identity documents. Avoid collecting or forwarding sensitive information through ordinary email or text, and never ask clients to share verification codes.
Ask clients to confirm receipt directly with our office after sending funds. A sent-wire confirmation alone does not establish receipt in the intended account.
Protection and insurance depend on the applicable product, verification process, eligibility, policy terms, and limits. No process eliminates every risk. Learn about CertifID's protection features.
SHARE COMPENSATION DETAILS EARLY
Buyer-paid commission
Tell the closing team and lender early.
If the buyer owes all or part of their agent’s fee at closing, everyone working on the deal needs to know as early as possible. A fee disclosed in the final days can change the buyer’s cash to close, require updated lender disclosures or funds verification, and delay closing.
At contract: Flag any buyer-paid commission in your new-deal email, even if the final commission statement is not ready. Include both your assigned closing attorney and closing paralegal, and notify the buyer’s loan officer directly.
When this applies
The buyer agency agreement requires the buyer to pay some or all of the buyer agent’s compensation.
The seller is paying less than the full buyer agent fee, and the buyer is responsible for the difference.
The buyer owes an additional agreed brokerage or agency fee beyond the amount the seller is paying.
Who needs to know
Send the commission statement to the appropriate transaction contacts below. Provide the buyer agency agreement if requested, using the appropriate delivery method.
Buyer’s attorney and assigned closing paralegal: So the buyer-paid amount is included in the closing figures and settlement statement.
Buyer’s lender / loan officer: So compensation is reflected in the applicable disclosures and the buyer’s required funds can be verified. Do not assume the attorney will forward the statement.
Seller’s attorney and assigned closing paralegal: So any seller-paid amounts and related disbursements are coordinated correctly.
Listing agent: So both brokerages’ statements accurately reflect the agreed compensation and who is paying it.
Buyer: So the buyer understands their payment obligation and the effect on cash to close.
When to send it
At contract: Send the statement with the executed contract, or flag the buyer-paid amount as soon as the deal is signed.
Well before closing: If the final statement follows later, allow time for the lender and closing team to review it, update figures, and address any funding or disclosure requirements. Ask the lender about its processing deadlines.
If anything changes: Promptly send an updated statement to everyone who needs the revised figures.
Disclosure timing: A fee change may require a corrected Closing Disclosure, but it does not automatically restart the three-business-day waiting period. The lender must determine the applicable requirements and timing.
What to include
Property address, buyer and seller names, and purchase price.
Seller-paid portion, showing the percentage when applicable and the dollar amount.
Buyer-paid portion, showing the percentage when applicable and the dollar amount.
Total compensation due to your brokerage, including any additional agreed fee.
Brokerage’s legal payee name, contact information, and payment instructions through the closing team’s approved process.
Keep payment information secure. Confirm disbursement arrangements with the closing team and independently verify any request to change banking instructions.
Quick tips for agents
Mention buyer-paid compensation in the new-deal email before the final statement is ready.
Make sure the buyer’s loan officer receives the statement directly.
Discuss the buyer’s payment obligation and estimated cash to close early.
Include both your assigned closing attorney and closing paralegal on transaction emails.
Real Estate Law Group, LLC · A planning resource for Connecticut realtors. Prepare an itemized estimate for your seller before a listing presentation.
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$0.00
State conveyance tax
$0.00
Town conveyance tax
$0.00
Attorney and closing fees
$0.00
Taxes, utilities, HOA, credits, and other expenses
$0.00
Estimated closing costs, excluding payoffs and holdback
$0.00
Mortgage and lien payoffs
$0.00
Escrow holdback retained at closing
$0.00
Estimated net cash to seller at closing
$0.00
Closing costs exclude loan payoffs and escrow holdbacks. Net cash deducts both. A holdback is not necessarily a permanent cost. Amounts are deductions unless labeled sale price or net cash.
Disclaimer: This is a good-faith estimate for planning purposes only, not a closing statement, fee quote, or legal advice. Actual figures depend on final payoffs, tax and utility adjustments, contract terms, property classification, exemptions, and the town where the property is located. This tool does not calculate every possible charge, credit, special tax, or exemption. Do not double-count expenses. Real Estate Law Group will provide final figures before closing. Questions? Call 203.951.6461 or email closings@relawgrp.com.
Tax sources and review date: Source review completed October 16, 2026. State calculations use Connecticut DRS forms and instructions and CGS §12-494. Municipal estimates cover all 169 towns using local government publications, the statutory base rate and state eligibility sources, or rates confirmed by Real Estate Law Group. See Town rates and verification sources below for each town’s source basis. Real Estate Law Group confirmed the 0.50% baseline for Bridgeport, Hartford, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Southington, and Thomaston on October 16, 2026. This review date does not mean every rate was individually confirmed with a town clerk. Future closing dates use the rates currently shown; future law changes are not predicted.
Real Estate Law Group, LLC · 185 Plains Rd, Suite 305W, Milford, CT 06461 · You find the house, we'll do the rest.
Town rates and verification sources · all 169 towns
Reviewed October 16, 2026. Rates have different source support: local government publications, the statutory base rate and state eligibility list, or firm-confirmed baseline rates. Real Estate Law Group confirmed a 0.50% baseline for Bridgeport, Hartford, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Southington, and Thomaston on October 16, 2026.
These attorney-reviewed and attorney-drafted templates help agents document agreed transaction terms using prepared forms. Select the appropriate template, complete all applicable fields, and confirm that it accurately reflects the parties’ agreement. Verify saved entries before sharing. Signature lines are for signing separately.
Filling Out Your Forms
Our closing templates are attorney-reviewed and attorney-drafted fillable PDFs that you can download, complete, save, and send to the parties to the transaction for signature.
Using a phone or tablet? Some mobile browsers may not allow you to type directly into PDF fields. For the best experience, download the PDF and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free). Desktop users can complete the forms using a compatible PDF reader.
All forms are attorney-reviewed and attorney-drafted templates. Choose the form that fits the transaction and confirm the completed terms with the parties.
COMPLETE ONLINE
Seller Credit Addendum
Complete the fields to generate a branded PDF, ready to download and send for signature. All fields are required.
Your entries are used in your browser to create the PDF. They are not submitted to our office or saved in a database. The downloaded PDF contains the information you enter.
Buyer and seller sign to rescind the contract, release each other from contract-related liability, and direct deposit distribution. Review the release and deposit amounts with the transaction attorney.
Make the sale contingent on the seller locating suitable replacement housing by a stated deadline. This does not require the replacement purchase to close.
