After your contract is accepted, MidCity Title receives a title order from your lender and begins the title search process. This involves examining public records to trace the property's ownership history and identify any liens, encumbrances, or other issues that could affect the sale. Then, communication channels are established between all parties. During the first few days, you can expect contact from one of our closing assistants, who will gather necessary information, explain the process, and answer initial questions. Sellers should expect requests for payoff information, while buyers will receive preliminary closing cost estimates and document requests

The buyer has the federally protected right under the provisions of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) to choose the title company. In the Purchase Agreement the BUYER should write in the Purchase Agreement, “Buyer has chosen MidCity Title as the settlement agent.” This will ensure that your lender and the seller know you have chosen the settlement agent of your choice.

Both the Lender and Owner policies insure against loss from title defects which are not discoverable by a complete and thorough title examination, such as mis-indexed documents, and unrecorded documents. It also provides coverage for errors which are made in the title search itself. Unlike other types of insurance that give coverage for acts in the future, title insurance insures against loss you may incur for acts that occurred prior to acquiring the property. Title insurance is only required if your lender requires it.

A title search examines public records to trace the complete ownership history of your property, typically going back 30 years. This process verifies that each transfer of ownership was legal and properly documented, creating an unbroken chain of title. The search identifies any liens, judgments, or encumbrances attached to the property, such as unpaid taxes, HOA fees, contractor liens, or court judgments. These must be addressed before ownership can transfer cleanly from one party to another.

The closing process typically involves several key steps that finalize your real estate transaction:

Provide any personal information requested by the closing assistant.

Final Walkthrough - Usually scheduled within 24 hours before closing, the final walkthrough lets you verify that the home's condition hasn’t changed and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

Review the Closing Disclosure - At least three business days before closing, your lender must provide a Closing Disclosure. This document details all the final loan terms, monthly payments, and closing costs. Review it carefully to ensure everything matches what you were expecting.

Schedule/Attend Closing Appointment - At the closing, you’ll meet with various parties—usually a settlement attorney or notary, closing assistant, your real estate agent, both the buyer and the seller, and sometimes the lender.

Funding the Loan - Once everything is signed, your lender will fund the mortgage—sending the loan amount to the closing agent, who distributes the funds to the seller and any other parties owed payment.

Receiving the Keys
Recording the Deed - The attorney will officially record the property deed with the parish recorder's office.

Expect lots of paperwork, signing legally binding documents like the Closing Disclosure and Promissory Note, paying closing costs via wire or cashier's check, and finally receiving the keys after funds are dispersed, marking the official transfer of ownership to you, often at a title company with a closing agent overseeing it all.

All parties must bring current, unexpired government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport. Buyers should verify their funding method and bring any required financial documents. The closing assistant will provide specific instructions about wire transfers or cashier's checks. Property-related paperwork, like surveys or HOA documents, are typically handled by the title company.