Closing Day in Massachusetts — Who Signs What, When the Deed Records, and When You Get the Keys

Closing day sounds dramatic, but most Massachusetts closings are a coordinated set of signatures, money movement, and recording logistics. If you’ve been googling “timeline for closing in Massachusetts” or “do I need a lawyer to buy a house in MA,” it’s because you want predictability. That’s what a good Massachusetts real estate attorney provides.

 

The two big milestones: funding and recording

 

In Massachusetts, the moment you “own” the home is usually tied to recording at the Registry of Deeds. Practically speaking, keys are commonly released after:

1. lender funds are confirmed, and

2. the deed is recorded (or accepted for recording), depending on the closing setup

That’s why you may hear your attorney talk about:

• Massachusetts registry of deeds Norfolk County attorney

• registry of deeds Plymouth County attorney

• recording fees Massachusetts closing

• recorded land vs. registered land (yes, it matters: Massachusetts registered land closing attorney / Massachusetts recorded land closing attorney)

What buyers sign

 

Buyers generally sign:

• the promissory note

• the mortgage

• lender disclosures

• affidavits and settlement documents

If you’re financing, you’ll see the attorney working in tandem with lender counsel and title—this is part of what “lender representation real estate attorney MA” and “Massachusetts title and escrow attorney” really means.

 

What sellers sign

 

Sellers typically sign:

• the deed

• tax forms

• payoff documents to clear existing loans

• affidavits related to authority and residency

If title issues show up late—like an old mortgage that never got discharged—you’ll want someone who can handle title curative work (think clear title issue lawyer MA or MA lien release attorney problems).

 

Funds, escrow, and wire safety

 

Closing funds move through escrow. You may see searches like:

• MA escrow services

• Massachusetts title and escrow attorney

• Massachusetts title insurance attorney

• Massachusetts lender title policy attorney / MA owner’s title policy attorney

The #1 safety rule: confirm wiring instructions via a known, verified phone number. Don’t rely on last-minute email changes.

 

Remote and mobile closings

 

Many clients ask about remote real estate closing or a Massachusetts mobile closing attorney, especially if they’re traveling or buying a vacation property. Remote signing can be possible depending on documents and lender rules; your closing attorney coordinates the logistics.

 

If you’re looking specifically for a Hingham real estate closing attorney, a South Shore closing attorney, or a Boston real estate closing attorney, the best move is to pick a firm that does title, escrow coordination, lender coordination, and recording with a clear timeline.