What is required of the seller at closing?

At closing, the seller is typically required to deliver a general warranty deed to the buyer. This deed serves as a legal document that conveys ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer. The general warranty deed provides the highest level of protection to the buyer, ensuring that the seller guarantees clear title to the property, meaning there are no undisclosed liens or ownership claims against it. Essentially, by providing this deed, the seller confirms their legal right to sell the property and assures the buyer that they will defend the title against any future claims.

In real estate transactions, other requirements like paying off liens or providing inspection reports are important, but they are not universally mandated at closing. The seller may need to settle these responsibilities during the sale process, but they do not constitute the primary requirement at the moment of closing. Similarly, signing a rental agreement is relevant only in certain contexts and does not pertain to the transfer of property ownership. Therefore, delivering a general warranty deed is the essential action that establishes the transfer of ownership legally and effectively.