You’ve taken a huge step — your contract is ratified, and the journey to closing has officially begun. At Equity Title and Escrow, our goal is to make this process smooth, secure, and stress-free. We’ve put together the steps below to guide you clearly and confidently through the closing process.

Closing Steps
Bankshot App Guide
Closing Disclosure Guide
Insurance Policy Guide
Qualia Guide
Other Resources

Meet the Equity Title and Escrow Team

  • Claudia Bennet

    MANAGING DIRECTOR

  • Phoenix Ayotte

    TITLE ATTORNEY

  • Liliana Aleman-Rodriguez

    TITLE PROCESSOR

  • Angela Shipp

    TITLE PROCESSOR

  • Maricar Orteza

    POST-CLOSER

  • Angelique Santiago

    SETTLEMENT SCHEDULER

Next Steps After Your Contract Is Ratified

Once your contract is ratified, a member of your team — whether your real estate agent, attorney, or lender — will send the contract to us.

From there, we’ll guide you through your first step!

  • Your first step happens right away. Your Earnest Money Deposit confirms your commitment and moves your transaction forward.

    Timing: The EMD is usually due within three (3) business days of ratification unless your contract states otherwise.

    Ways to Submit:

    • Wire Transfer – Confirm details directly with our team to avoid fraud ****WARNING**** DO NOT SEND AN ACH

    • Check Delivery – Drop off at Equity Title and Escrow office

    • Remote deposit through the Bankshot app- the secure platform we use to make this process simple and efficient

    Important: Wire fraud is a serious risk in real estate transactions. Always verify instructions directly with your Equity Title and Escrow team before sending funds.

  • After your EMD is received, you’ll receive access to your personal closing portal, powered by Qualia ( click here to see how it works ) — the leading secure settlement platform in the industry.

    Inside, you can:

    • Upload required documents safely

    • View important dates and deadlines

    • Track the progress of your closing in real time

    • Receive secure messages from our team

    Your Qualia portal keeps everything organized and secure, think of it as your digital roadmap to settlement day.

  • Your lender now takes center stage, but we’ll stay closely connected. During this time, you may need to:

    • Provide additional bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns

    • Review and sign disclosure documents

    • Respond quickly to requests to keep your timeline on track

    We’ll work hand-in-hand with your lender to make sure all requirements are met before settlement.

  • While your lender finalizes financing, our team completes a comprehensive title search. This ensures:

    • Clear ownership of the property

    • Identification of any liens, judgments, or encumbrances

    • Verification of legal property description

    We’ll then prepare your title commitment and issue title insurance to protect your ownership rights.

  • As your settlement date approaches, we’ll coordinate with your lender, realtor, and all other parties to prepare your final documents. Here’s what you’ll receive in advance:

    • Preliminary Closing Disclosure from your lender (at least 3 business days before closing)

    • Settlement Statement (ALTA) outlining every credit and charge in your transaction

    Review these carefully — they’ll show you exactly what funds you’ll need to bring to closing.

  • The big day has arrived! At your closing appointment, you will:

    • Review and sign all loan and settlement documents

    • Provide any remaining funds (via wire or certified funds only)

    • Receive keys and final confirmation of ownership transfer

    Congratulations — you’re officially a homeowner!

  • Your journey doesn’t end once the ink is dry. After settlement, we’ll:

    • Record your deed and mortgage with the county

    • Deliver your final signed documents electronically for safekeeping

    • Issue your owner’s title insurance policy, protecting your investment for as long as you own the property

Who’s Involved in Your Closing

Throughout your journey, you’ll work with several professionals who each play an important role in helping you reach the finish line:

  • Your Lender – Reviews your financials, secures loan approval, and prepares loan documents.

  • Loan Processor / Underwriter – Works behind the scenes to verify information and ensure the loan meets all requirements.

  • Settlement Processor – Coordinates with your lender, realtor, and our team to prepare your closing package.

  • Post-Closer – Handles recording of documents, disbursement of funds, and final confirmation that your transaction is complete after closing day.

  • Settlement Agent / Title Attorney – Reviews the title, ensures compliance with state laws, and oversees the closing.

  • Your Real Estate Agent – Advocates for you, keeps your interests at the forefront, and works closely with our team to resolve any contract items.

At the center of it all is your Equity Title and Escrow team, bringing every piece together so you can focus on what matters most — moving into your new home.

Stay Secure and Informed

Fraud prevention is one of our top priorities. Please remember:

  • We will never change wiring instructions by email.

  • Always confirm instructions directly with your Equity Title and Escrow team before sending funds.

  • Use your secure portal for safe document uploads.