Click here to learn the steps of the Maryland homebuying and closing process to make your homebuying journey as easy as possible. The real estate settlement process begins with the Contract of Sale.It is in the Contract that the Buyer and Seller agree on the terms of the transaction. Our paperless, custom-built closing workflow software allows us to proactively keep customers in the know and avoid settlement surprises. The "closing" is the formal proceeding where you sign over the deed to the buyer and receive your check for the sale. This informative guide will help you prepare for your real estate settlement where you will sign closing documents. Completing all of the steps necessary for the final contracts to be signed takes about a month, but in some cases, closing can take from 30 to 90 days. Wondering what to expect on closing day for your real estate transactions? Lakeside Title ensures a seamless, secure closing process. By law, your lender must provide you with a 5-page Closing Disclosure at least three days prior to your real estate settlement meeting.