How To Wire Money For Closing?
By: ROS Team
Buying a house is a momentous occasion filled with excitement for anyone. However, the process of completing the final steps and wiring money for closing can be intricate and nerve-wracking. It is crucial to understand when and how to wire money during this critical phase to ensure a smooth home purchase.
In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step guide on how you can wire money for closing.
What is a Wire Transfer?
A wire transfer is an electronic transfer of funds from one bank account to another. Wire transfers are made through a network that is administered by banks and transfer service agencies around the world.
Wire transfers can be made from one bank account to another bank account, or through a transfer of cash at a cash office.
Different wire transfer systems and operators provide a variety of options relative to the immediacy and finality of settlement and the cost, value, and volume of transactions.
Wire transfers are important tools for anyone who needs to send money quickly and securely, especially when they aren’t in the same location.
How to Wire Money for Closing?
Wiring money for closing marks one of the pivotal stages in the home buying process. It becomes imperative to acquire a comprehensive understanding of how to wire funds securely and accurately, thereby guaranteeing a seamless closure.
Step 1: Confirm Wire Transfer Details
To initiate the wire transfer, make sure you have accurate and up-to-date information. Contact your title company, escrow agent, or attorney for confirmation of the wire transfer details. This typically includes the recipient’s name, bank name, bank address, routing number, account number, and the amount to be wired.
Step 2: Choose a Reliable Financial Institution
To complete the wire transfer for the closing, you are required to personally visit your bank or credit union. It is essential to choose a reputable financial institution to oversee this process, given the considerable amount of money involved. Furthermore, you must ensure to bring proper identification, account information, as well as any relevant documents provided by your real estate professional.
Step 3: Complete the Wire Transfer Form
Once you arrive at your bank, request a wire transfer form or visit the bank’s wire transfer department if available. You’ll need to fill out the form with the following details:
- Your personal information, including your name, address, and contact information.
- The recipient’s information, including their name, bank name, and account details.
- The amount you want to wire.
- The purpose of the wire transfer (in this case, it’s for real estate closing).
- Any special instructions or reference numbers provided by the recipient.
Step 4: Pay the Wire Transfer Fees
Banks commonly charge fees for wire transfers, which vary based on the specific institution and the amount being transferred. It is important to ask about the associated fees when initiating the transfer. Moreover, if you are sending money internationally, there might be additional charges for currency conversion and other fees to consider.
Step 5: Double-Check Your Information
Before submitting the wire transfer request, review all the information on the form for accuracy. Verify that the recipient’s details match the information you received from your title company or attorney. Mistakes in the recipient’s account information can result in delays or complications.
Step 6: Sign and Submit the Form
Once you are confident that all the information is accurate, proceed by signing and submitting the wire transfer form to the wire transfer department of your bank. It is important to retain copies of all transaction documents for your records, including the wire transfer form, receipts, and any communication with the recipient.
Step 7: Confirm the Transfer
After the wire transfer is initiated, it’s a good practice to follow up with the recipient, such as your title company or escrow agent, to confirm that they have received the funds. This helps ensure that the closing process proceeds as planned and that there are no delays.
Can I Wire Funds the Day of Closing?
It is not recommended to wire money on the day of closing. While wires can be processed quickly, there is no guarantee of timely availability, potentially causing delays. To ensure a smooth closing process, it is recommended to initiate the wire transfer one to two business days prior to the closing date.
Who Receives the Wired funds?
The wired funds are typically received by the title company or closing attorney, who is responsible for disbursing the funds after closing.
How Much Does it Cost to Wire Money?
Wire transfer fees can vary based on the bank and the type of transfer. According to a survey conducted by NerdWallet, wire transfer fees typically fall within a range of $0 to approximately $50. The median fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers is around $25.
Tips for Wiring Money for Closing
- Never send money to a title or escrow company that you are not familiar with.
- Be wary of any emails or phone calls that ask you to wire money to a different account than the one that was provided by your title or escrow company.
- Always double check the wiring instructions before you send the wire.
- Call the title or escrow company to confirm the wiring instructions if you have any doubts.
- Keep a copy of the wire transfer confirmation for your records.
Wire Transfer For Closing: Final Thoughts
If you have any questions or concerns about wiring money for closing, be sure to talk to your title or escrow company. They will be able to help you through the process and ensure that everything goes smoothly.