Flying in for a North Carolina closing or trying to sign from another time zone can feel like a lot. You want a smooth handoff, clear steps, and no surprises when you finally get the keys in Matthews. This guide walks you through what closing day looks like in Mecklenburg County, what to bring, how to move money safely, and how to handle utilities and taxes. Let’s dive in.
What closing day looks like in Matthews
Who runs the closing
North Carolina uses an approved attorney system, which means a licensed NC closing attorney examines title, prepares documents, records the deed, and disburses funds. Expect the appointment to be scheduled through the attorney’s office, and plan for 30 to 90 minutes depending on your loan and any HOA items. Learn more about the attorney’s role in NC closings from this overview of the approved attorney system. (North Carolina closing practices)
Who needs to attend and sign
Anyone named on the deed or loan typically needs to sign, either in person or by an approved alternative such as a power of attorney that meets the lender’s requirements. Confirm attendance rules and any remote options with your closing attorney as early as possible to avoid last‑minute delays. (Attendance guidance)
Recording and when you get keys
After signing, the attorney submits your deed and deed of trust for recording with the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds. Many attorneys e‑record, so recording can happen quickly, but timing depends on the county’s queue and your lender’s funding. You’ll typically get possession once the deed is recorded and funds are disbursed. You can search public records or ask the attorney for the instrument number after recording. (Mecklenburg Register of Deeds)
Money and documents you’ll need
- Bring a current government photo ID for notarization. Expired IDs are not accepted. (Closing prep checklist)
- Most buyers wire their final funds. Always verify wiring instructions by phone using a trusted number from the attorney’s website or engagement letter. Consider sending the wire one business day early to avoid cut‑off delays. (NCREC wire‑fraud guidance)
- If a cashier’s check is allowed, confirm the exact payee and whether out‑of‑state checks will clear in time.
- Expect to review and sign your Closing Disclosure/settlement statement, deed of trust if you finance, tax and insurance escrow forms, and any HOA transfer paperwork. Your final numbers usually arrive 24 to 48 hours before closing.
Local fees and taxes to expect
North Carolina deed excise tax
NC charges an excise (transfer) tax on deeds at a statutory rate of $1.00 per $500 of the purchase price, or part thereof. Who pays is set by your contract and will be shown on the Closing Disclosure. (State excise tax statute)
Recording fees and timing
Recording fees in North Carolina are set by statute and are collected when the deed and deed of trust are filed. Your attorney will calculate the exact amount based on document type and page count. (NC recording fee statutes)
Mecklenburg County property taxes
Mecklenburg County typically issues real‑property tax bills in late July, with a September 1 due date for the tax year. Payments made by early January avoid interest and penalties. Taxes are prorated between buyer and seller on your settlement statement, so review how the proration was handled before you sign. (County tax billing info)
Utilities and move‑in logistics for Matthews
- Water and sewer: Many Matthews addresses are served by Charlotte Water. Confirm your specific provider and set up your account before closing so service starts when you get the keys. (About Charlotte Water)
- Electricity and gas: Electric service is typically through Duke Energy in Matthews and natural gas through Piedmont Natural Gas for many addresses. Expect an identity and credit check and possible deposits. Schedule activation to align with your closing timeline.
- Internet and trash: Ask the seller for current providers, mailbox details, and trash/recycling schedules so you can plan your first week.
If you cannot attend in person
Power of attorney
A limited power of attorney can allow a trusted person to sign at closing on your behalf, but it must meet your lender’s rules and the attorney’s requirements. Start this conversation early so the form can be approved and recorded if needed.
Remote online notarization
North Carolina allows remote online notarization for certain documents when performed under state rules and by approved providers. Availability depends on your lender and closing attorney, and some documents may still need in‑person signatures. Confirm which forms can be signed remotely, which platform will be used, and any extra steps. (NC RON statute)
Closing day checklist
- Confirm the date, time, and location or video link with your closing attorney, and save their phone number separately from email.
- Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID. (NC closing prep)
- Verify wiring instructions by calling the attorney on a trusted number. Send the wire early if possible and confirm receipt. (Wire‑fraud tips)
- Review your Closing Disclosure the day before, and ask questions ahead of time.
- Confirm HOA transfer fees and what conveys at closing, such as keys, remotes, and gate codes.
- Set up utilities to start on your closing date, including water, power, gas, and internet. (Charlotte Water)
After closing: your first week
- Ask your attorney for confirmation once the deed is recorded, and request the document number for your records. (Mecklenburg Register of Deeds)
- Save your final settlement statement and deed in a secure place for taxes and insurance.
- Verify HOA contacts, gate access, and amenity rules for your community.
- Note the county’s tax timeline and how your taxes were prorated on the Closing Disclosure. (Mecklenburg tax calendar)
Moving to Matthews should feel exciting, not overwhelming. If you want a steady guide to coordinate your closing details, line up utilities, and plan move‑in timing, reach out to Christopher Hansen. You’ll get responsive, local support tailored to your relocation.
FAQs
Do you have to be in the room to close on a Matthews home?
- No; you can use a lender‑approved power of attorney or remote online notarization when available, but confirm both with your closing attorney well in advance.
When do you get keys on closing day in Mecklenburg County?
- You typically receive keys after the deed is recorded and funds are disbursed; ask your attorney about e‑recording timing on the morning of closing.
How are Mecklenburg County property taxes handled at closing?
- Taxes are prorated between buyer and seller on the settlement statement; you become responsible from the agreed possession or closing date forward.
What is the North Carolina deed excise tax and who pays it?
- The tax is $1 for every $500 of the purchase price, and the contract usually dictates who pays; you will see it on your Closing Disclosure.
How do you protect your down payment when wiring from out of state?
- Call your closing attorney at a known phone number to verify wiring instructions, treat any emailed changes as suspicious, and send funds early when possible.
Which utilities serve most Matthews addresses?
- Water and sewer are often through Charlotte Water, electricity is typically Duke Energy, and natural gas is often Piedmont Natural Gas; confirm providers for your exact address before closing.
