In a real estate contract, what is typically the seller's responsibility at closing?

In a real estate contract, the seller typically has several key responsibilities at closing, all of which contribute to the successful transfer of property ownership to the buyer. Providing homeowners insurance, paying off the existing mortgage, and transferring the deed are all integral parts of this process.

Providing homeowners insurance ensures that the property is protected against potential risks or damages up until the point of closing. While it's common for the buyer to secure insurance coverage, the seller must make sure there’s an active policy in place to protect the property during the transaction.

Paying off the existing mortgage is another critical obligation of the seller. If there’s a mortgage or lien attached to the property, the seller must settle this debt as part of the closing process to ensure that the buyer receives a clear title. This helps avoid any future legal complications related to outstanding liens or claims against the property.

Transferring the deed is perhaps the most obvious responsibility. The seller must provide a clear and marketable title to the buyer, formalizing the transfer of property ownership through the deed. This document is crucial as it legally conveys the property from the seller to the buyer, ensuring that the buyer has full ownership rights.

Thus, all of these responsibilities are typically part of a seller's role at closing,