Sellers

RSI Title

Your Guide to a Successful Settlement

Everything sellers need to know to get to the closing table smoothly — and walk away with confidence.

Why RSI Title

What We Do for You

As your settlement company, RSI Title coordinates everything behind the scenes so your sale closes on time, your liens are paid off correctly, and your proceeds are disbursed promptly.

Title Search & Clearance

We identify any liens, judgments, or title issues on your property and work to resolve them before closing day.

Deed Preparation

We draft the deed conveying title from you to the buyer — accurately and in compliance with state law.

Mortgage Payoff Coordination

We obtain payoff statements from your lender(s) and ensure all mortgages are paid in full from your sale proceeds

Proceeds Disbursement

After all liens and fees are paid, we disburse your net proceeds — typically by wire transfer on the day of closing or next business day.

Lien Releases & Recording

We ensure all paid-off mortgages are formally released and recorded after closing, protecting your credit and record.

Licensed & Local

Our team knows MD, DC, and VA transfer tax rules, seller obligations, and local requirements inside and out

The Process

From Contract to Closing — A Seller’s View

Here’s what to expect at each stage once your home is under contract, and how RSI Title supports you throughout.

Step 1

Days 1-3

Contract is Ratified

Your agent sends us the ratified sales contract. We open your file, confirm the closing date, and begin coordinating with all parties — buyer’s agent, lender, and both sides’ attorneys if applicable.

Step 2

Days 3-10

Title Search on Your Property

We conduct a full title search to verify your ownership and identify any outstanding liens, judgments, HOA balances, or other encumbrances that must be resolved before you can convey clear title to the buyer.

Step 3

Days 5-14

Payoff Statements Ordered

We contact your mortgage lender(s) to obtain payoff statements — the exact amounts needed to satisfy your loans as of the closing date. This ensures your mortgage is paid off in full and released at closing.

Step 4

2-3 Days Before

Seller’s Closing Disclosure Prepared

We prepare your settlement statement showing all credits, debits, payoffs, transfer taxes, commissions, and your estimated net proceeds. Review it carefully — if anything looks incorrect, contact us before closing day.

Step 5

Closing Day

Settlement Day

You sign the deed transferring ownership, along with any other required documents. In many cases sellers can sign in advance or remotely if they cannot attend in person — ask us about this option early.

Step 6

Closing Day / Next Day

Proceeds Disbursed

Once all funds are confirmed and conditions are met, we wire your net proceeds. Most sellers receive funds the same day as closing or the next business day, depending on timing and your bank’s processing.

Step 7

1-2 Business Days After

Deed Recorded & Liens Released

We record the new deed in the buyer’s name and ensure all mortgage releases are filed with the land records office. You will receive confirmation once recording is complete.

Step 8

Ongoing

After the Closing

Our work doesn’t end at the table. We’re available to answer questions about your tax reporting, 1099-S forms, or any post-closing matters. We are always happy to assist our clients!

Settlement Day Prep

What to Bring & Prepare for Closing

A little preparation goes a long way — here’s what sellers should have ready before and on closing day.

Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) — all sellers on the deed must present ID

Your mortgage account number(s) and lender contact info so we can order accurate payoff statements

Wire instructions for your bank account to receive net proceeds (include a voided check or official bank letter)

HOA contact information and any outstanding balances — HOA payoffs are required before closing

Your Social Security number for 1099-S tax reporting, required by the IRS on most real estate sales

All keys, garage door openers, access codes, and manuals to hand off to the buyer at closing

Review your settlement statement in advance and flag any questions — don’t wait until closing day

If signing remotely or in advance, confirm arrangements with our office at least 3 days before closing

Know Your Numbers

Typical Seller Costs at Closing

Unlike buyers, sellers typically pay fewer line items — but they can be significant. Here’s what to expect in our region.

Real Estate Commission

Typically the largest seller cost — usually a percentage of the sale price paid to the listing and buyer’s agents. Confirm the exact amount with your agent before closing.

Transfer & Recordation Taxes

Maryland, DC, and Virginia each have different transfer and recordation tax structures. In many transactions these are split between buyer and seller, but local custom and contract terms vary.

Mortgage Payoff(s)

Any outstanding mortgage balances — including accrued interest through the payoff date — are paid from your proceeds at closing. We obtain exact payoff figures from your lender.

Property Tax Proration

Property taxes are prorated to your date of ownership. If taxes have been prepaid, you may receive a credit. If unpaid through closing, the amount is deducted from proceeds.

HOA Fees & Assessments

Any unpaid HOA dues, special assessments, or resale certificate fees are paid from your proceeds. We work with your HOA to obtain exact payoff amounts.

Settlement & Title Fees

The seller’s share of settlement fees, deed preparation, and any seller-paid title charges are itemized on your closing statement. We’ll walk you through each line item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sellers Ask. We Answer.

Clear answers to the questions we hear most from buyers at every stage of the process.

When do I choose a title company as a seller?digitalstudios2026-05-28T02:02:09+00:00

When do I choose a title company as a seller?

In most Maryland, DC, and Virginia transactions, the buyer selects the title company — it’s one of their standard rights under the contract. However, sellers can negotiate title selection, and in some cases (such as new construction or certain investor transactions) the seller or builder may choose. If you’d like to work with RSI Title, let your agent know early in the process so it can be written into the contract.