Closing Day in Alabama: Wire Fraud Warnings & Final Walk-Through
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Educational only. Not legal, tax, financial, or brokerage advice. Alabama rules and your situation vary — talk to a licensed Alabama REALTOR®, attorney, and/or tax pro before you list or sign.
You’re almost done. Closing week is when tired sellers make expensive mistakes — especially with wiring instructions. This guide is a practical Alabama / Wiregrass closing checklist. It is not legal advice and not a substitute for your closer’s instructions.
Who this is for
- Sellers (and buyers) closing in Alabama, especially Enterprise and the Wiregrass
- PCS households signing remotely or under time pressure
- Anyone who received an email about “updated wiring instructions”
Wire fraud: treat surprise emails as hostile
Criminals spoof title companies, attorneys, and agents. A common pattern: late-stage email saying the wire account changed. Rules of thumb:
- Never trust wiring instructions that arrive only by email
- Call a known phone number from the closing packet, title website you typed yourself, or your agent’s verified contact — not a number in the suspicious email
- Confirm beneficiary name, bank, account, and amount out loud
- Be extra careful with last-minute “urgent” changes before funding
If something feels off, pause. Slow money is better than stolen money.
Final walk-through (sellers: be ready)
Buyers typically walk the property shortly before closing to confirm:
- Agreed repairs were completed
- Systems that were working still work
- The home is broom-clean (or as contracted) and personal items are removed
- Included appliances, fixtures, remotes, and keys match the contract
Sellers: leave manuals, garage remotes, gate codes, mailbox keys, and spare keys labeled. Don’t play scavenger hunt on closing morning.
Documents & IDs
- Government photo ID as required by the closer
- Any remaining affidavits or HOA docs your title company requested
- Payoff confirmation path if your loan is being paid off
- Forwarding address for any residual mail / refunds
Remote / mobile notarization rules vary — ask your Alabama closer early if you’ll be gone for PCS.
Utilities, insurance, and keys
- Schedule utility transfer or stop dates (don’t leave the buyer in the dark — literally)
- Confirm when seller’s homeowners insurance should end (coordinate with lender/title)
- Hand over all keys, fobs, remotes, alarm codes, and locker codes per contract
- Cancel or transfer monitoring services
Money movement checklist
- Know whether you’re receiving proceeds by wire or check
- Verify destination account details by phone using a trusted number
- Watch for phishing texts claiming to be your agent or spouse
- Keep a written log of who you spoke with and when
After the ink
- Save the closing disclosure / settlement statement
- Update your budget for payoff of temporary housing or double moves
- If you’re also buying, repeat wire-verification discipline on the purchase side
Related reads
What’s next
- Download the checklist — closing-week page included in the Wiregrass Home Seller Checklist.
- Still listing? Start here for comps / net-sheet routing to our Wiregrass REALTOR partner.
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