Relocating from an escrow state or buying your first Massachusetts home? Closings here run through attorneys, not a neutral escrow company, and the process can feel different at first. With the right expectations and a clear plan, you can move from offer to recorded deed with confidence. In this guide, you’ll learn how attorney-led closings work in Dover and greater Boston, who attends, where funds are held, typical timelines, and the steps that keep everything on track. Let’s dive in.
Attorney-led closings in Massachusetts
Key differences from escrow states
In Massachusetts, each party typically hires an attorney who prepares and reviews documents, coordinates title and payoff details, and oversees settlement. Attorneys commonly act as the settlement agent and handle funds through attorney trust accounts governed by professional rules. In escrow states, a neutral title or escrow company coordinates documents and funds, and attorneys are optional.
Why attorneys are central here
Your attorney is not just present at the table. They usually coordinate with your lender, prepare the settlement statement, verify title, and hold closing funds in a trust account until conditions are met and documents record. Communication often flows through your attorney and real estate agent rather than a separate escrow officer. Federal consumer disclosure rules still apply, so you will receive a Closing Disclosure from your lender at least three business days before consummation.
Step-by-step: Dover and Norfolk closings
Pre-closing: P&S to commitment
After you and the seller sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement, both sides typically engage attorneys. Your attorney reviews the contract, manages contingencies, and coordinates title work. A title search and commitment identify any liens or requirements to clear before closing while your lender completes underwriting and prepares your Closing Disclosure.
Typical timeline
Most Boston-area transactions take about 30 to 60 days from ratified agreement to closing, depending on financing and market pace. About 7 to 14 days before closing, you should confirm final funds and wire instructions with your attorney. No later than three business days before closing, your lender delivers the final Closing Disclosure for your review.
Who attends the closing
Expect the buyer, seller, and both attorneys to be involved. Real estate agents often attend, and a title company representative may participate. Lender representatives usually coordinate funds and documents remotely. Remote options, power of attorney, or approved electronic signing can be arranged when permitted.
Where funds are held and how they move
Closing funds are typically wired to the closing attorney’s trust account, where they remain until conditions are satisfied. On settlement, the attorney disburses funds to pay off any seller mortgages or liens, pays commissions and fees, handles prorations and municipal charges, and issues the seller’s net proceeds. The buyer receives keys and possession according to the contract.
Documents and recording
The seller signs and notarizes the deed, which is recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for Dover properties. If you are financing, you sign your mortgage and loan documents. Attorneys prepare the final settlement statement, and the lender issues the Closing Disclosure to the borrower. After recording, you receive confirmation and copies, and title insurance policies are issued per the commitment.
Practical prep for relocators and first-time buyers
Before closing: what to arrange
- Hire a Massachusetts buyer’s attorney as soon as your offer is accepted.
- Confirm who orders the title search and how owner’s and lender’s title insurance will be handled. Put cost allocations in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
- Obtain verified wire instructions from your attorney and lender and confirm by phone using known numbers.
- Prepare funds and timing for the wire or certified bank check as directed by your attorney.
- Provide photo ID and proof of homeowner’s insurance to your lender before funding.
Remote and POA options
If you are out of state, remote signings are common. Options include an in-person signing with local counsel, a limited power of attorney, or courier and electronic notarization where accepted. Discuss these logistics with your attorney early since lenders and registries may have specific requirements.
Wire fraud prevention
Wire fraud is a real risk in real estate. Always verify wire instructions by phone using contact details you confirm independently. Never rely solely on an email thread for instructions or changes. If allowed by local practice, a certified or cashier’s check may be an alternative to a wire.
Day-of-closing expectations
If you are financing, plan to sign the loan package with your attorney’s guidance. Lender funds generally arrive by wire to the closing attorney’s trust account around settlement time. Schedule your final walkthrough the day before or the morning of closing. Keys and possession follow the contract, often at funding or recording.
After closing
Your deed and mortgage are recorded with the Registry of Deeds, often the same day if e-recording is available. Your attorney will confirm recording and provide copies. The owner’s title insurance policy is issued after recording, while the lender’s policy goes to the lender.
Local notes for Dover and Norfolk County
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds handles recording for Dover. Many Massachusetts registries accept electronic recording, which can speed confirmation. Local custom may influence who pays for an owner’s title policy, so address this early in your contract. Busy market periods or complex title cures can extend timelines, so allow room for coordination.
Quick buyer checklist
- Engage a Massachusetts real estate attorney after your offer is accepted.
- Review your lender’s Closing Disclosure promptly. It must arrive at least three business days before closing.
- Verify wire instructions directly with your attorney and lender by phone.
- Set up homeowner’s insurance and deliver the binder to your lender.
- Schedule your final walkthrough within 24 hours of closing.
- Bring valid photo ID and confirm notary and witness needs.
- If closing remotely, confirm power of attorney or notarization requirements in advance.
- Save all closing documents and request recorded copies from your attorney.
A smooth Massachusetts closing comes down to clear roles, early preparation, and secure handling of funds and documents. With an experienced attorney guiding the legal steps and a local agent coordinating logistics, you can move from offer to keys with fewer surprises.
If you are planning a move to Dover or greater Boston, connect with a local advisor who understands both the attorney-led process and the market tempo. Reach out to Marilyn Freedman to plan your next step with confidence.
FAQs
Who pays closing costs in Massachusetts?
- Cost allocation is negotiated in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Local custom may vary for items like the owner’s title policy, so confirm the details in your contract.
How long do Dover and Norfolk closings take?
- Most transactions close in about 30 to 60 days, depending on financing, title clearance, and market conditions.
When will I receive my Closing Disclosure?
- Federal rules require your lender to deliver the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing.
Where are my closing funds held?
- Attorneys hold client funds in separate trust accounts and disburse only when closing conditions are met.
Can I close from out of state?
- Yes. Many closings are completed with remote signings, power of attorney, or courier arrangements, subject to lender and registry requirements.
When do I become the official owner?
- Ownership transfers when the deed records at the Registry of Deeds, often the day of closing or shortly after. Keys and possession follow your contract.
