All parties must bring an unexpired government issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport to the closing, since Masters is required to verify the identity of all parties. Social Security cards are also required by certain lenders.

Buyers must bring sufficient good funds to consummate the transaction. This is usually done by a cashier's or certified check made out to the buyer and/or Masters Title & Escrow or wire transfer. If the buyer brings more than the amount required to close, Masters will issue a check or wire for the excess.

Buyers should have already provided Masters a completed Choice of Tenancy Form. This form is provided to all buyers named in the sales contract shortly after we obtain a copy of the contract. It instructs us how title will be held and thus how the deed should be prepared. In the event there is a change in plans, we will need another Choice of Tenancy Form signed by all buyers named in the sales contract.

Homeowners who are refinancing and taking cash out and wish to have the funds wired should bring wiring instructions, a voided check or a deposit slip to closing. We recommend you confirm in advance that the bank routing information is correct.

If you are a seller and a non-resident alien (i.e., a Foreign Person as that term is used under the IRS regulations), please immediately alert us to this fact and also expect to have a portion of the sales proceeds withheld at closing. If you are subject to withholding and you fail to so alert us, this will delay the closing.

The State of Maryland requires us to withhold a portion of the sales proceeds from sellers of Maryland real estate who are not Maryland residents (certain exceptions apply). Please click here for a disclosure concerning the withholding. The rates were recently increased yet again.

Except for any items the sales contract obligates you to provide at settlement, such as keys to the property, nothing else is required unless you choose to have your proceeds wired into your bank account—in which case you will need to bring specific wiring instructions for the account to which the funds will be transmitted. If you would like to provide this information to us prior to closing, please ask for an Authorization to Disburse Proceeds form. Alternatively, you may bring a voided check or deposit slip to closing, but you should confirm in advance with your bank that you have the proper ABA# (routing number) for wire transfers. Homeowners who are refinancing and taking cash out and wish to have the funds wired should similarly bring wiring instructions, a voided check or deposit slip to closing.