Federal / State Issued Photo ID

1 other Document ID (military, SS Card, Bank Statement, Insurance Card, Concealed Carry Permit, etc.)

To receive our wire instructions, please call our office and speak with the receptionist or if you still need to know your Cash To Close Amount ask to speak with The Closer. We will send the instructions to you by email after verifying your request. Take these to your bank but first read below.

⚠️ Important Security Notice:

• Do not forward or share the wire instructions or account numbers with anyone—not by email, text, or phone.

• Bring the wire instructions directly to your bank in person to initiate the transfer.

• Never send funds without first confirming the wire instructions with our office just before sending the wire. We suggest that the bank teller call our office to confirm our instructions and to obtain the account number just before sending the funds.

• If you receive an email or call with different wire instructions or changing wire instructions, do not use them. This is a common sign of attempted wire fraud. The email address usually is very similar to our email address often times one letter different so be very careful to verify everything.

• Always call our office or your bank immediately to confirm any suspicious or unexpected instructions.

Wire fraud is a very real and serious threat. It can happen to anyone, especially if you don’t follow protocol. Once a wire is sent, the bank can not recall the funds. Following these steps helps protect your funds from being stolen by criminals. No matter what someone else says, never send a wire without verifying the details each and every time over the phone.

What Forms of Payment Are Accepted for Closing Funds?

• We cannot accept personal checks for any closing funds over $500.

• For amounts under $5,000, you may bring a certified or cashier’s check, made payable to yourself. You will endorse it at the closing table.

• For any amount $5,000 or more, funds must be sent via wire transfer in accordance with legal requirements.

If you have questions about wiring instructions or payment options, please contact our office in advance of your closing. Please see the Important Bulletin about Wired Funds Fraud so you don’t fall victim.

When Should I Send My Wire Transfer?

To ensure your closing and funding happen on time, please keep the following wire transfer guidelines in mind:

• Morning Closings: If your closing is scheduled for the morning, your funds must be wired the day before to ensure they arrive in our account on time. Wires sent after 10:00 AM on the day of closing may not meet the bank’s funding cutoff.

• Afternoon Closings: For closings scheduled in the afternoon—especially those after 3:00 PM—there is a risk that any outgoing wires may not be received by the destination bank until the next business day. Please note that bank wire cutoff times vary and are beyond our control.

If You’re Expecting a Wire From Us:
If we are sending a wire to your account and you have not received it, please wait until after 12:00 PM the following business day before contacting our office. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

How Long Does Closing Take?

The closing process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of transaction and the number of parties involved. Cash closings are usually quicker, while closings involving a loan may take a bit longer due to additional documentation.

For any special circumstances that we need to handle at closing, having knowledge of this information early and upfront helps prevent any delays at the closing table. Please provide any documents upfront that will help in your special requests and for a more smooth closing experience.

To help your closing go smoothly and efficiently, please arrive on time and bring any required documents and identification with you.

This is often negotiated in the sales contract. This could be different for every transaction. We suggest that the sellers belongings be completely moved out by the end of the day before the closing date. Buyers usually plan to take possession of their new home after closing is over unless other arrangements are made in the contract. The liability of closing before all of the sellers belongings are moved out is not advised. Buyers asking to move their belongings in before the closing is always advised against due to all kinds of liabilities.

While owner's title insurance isn't mandatory in Georgia, it's strongly recommended to protect your real estate investment. It safeguards you from potential financial losses due to title issues that may not be apparent during the initial purchase or examination. 

Why Owner's Title Insurance is Important:

• Protection from Title Defects: It covers claims or defects that might arise after closing, even if they originated before you bought the property. 

• Financial Loss Coverage: If a title problem leads to a financial loss (e.g., due to liens, back taxes, or disputes), the insurance policy can cover those losses. 

• Defense Costs: It sometimes can also cover legal fees and costs if you need to defend your title against a claim. 

• Lender's Policy Doesn't Protect You: Lenders typically purchase a lender's title insurance policy, but it only protects their investment, not yours. 

Examples of Title Issues:

Back taxes owed by a previous owner, Unpaid mortgages or liens against the property, Foreclosures or bankruptcies involving the property, Conflicts in wills or ownership disputes, and Unrecorded or mis-recorded documents. 

How to Obtain Owner's Title Insurance:

• You are eligible for discounts when you purchase it at the closing because when you obtain a loan. your lender purchases a Lender’s title insurance policy with every closing.

• It's a one-time premium that provides protection for the duration of your ownership. 

In summary: Owner's title insurance is a valuable investment to protect your property and financial investment in Georgia. It's a wise decision to consider, especially given the potential for unforeseen title issues after the closing. 

Also, we are reading everyday about homeowners who’s deed had been recorded and forged by someone they do not know and causing them to no longer be the legal owners of their home. This is title fraud. Ask us how you can be protected from title fraud for just a one time fee of $400f for as long as you own your home. A small investment with a whole lot of value. It is an insurance endorsement add on covering your title and will protect you and cover any costs associated with someone committing this type of theft/fraud.

if your sale is closing first at another attorney’s office and you’re using those proceeds to cover closing costs at Ellison Law, we can accept a wire transfer directly from their office. To ensure a smooth process, please have the selling attorney’s office send us their wire confirmation or reach out to us for our wiring instructions in advance. That way, we can coordinate the timing and confirm receipt of funds before your closing begins.