Should You Buy a Home in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you're buying a home in San Antonio, there's a moment in the process that feels like the finish line—but actually, it’s just before the finish line. It’s called funding. At Garza Home Team San Antonio Real Estate, we get a lot of questions from buyers like: “When do I get the keys to my new home?” or “We’ve signed—so are we done?”

Let’s clear it up, step-by-step. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, understanding the final steps of your home purchase can save you from confusion and unnecessary stress.

📘 What Is “Funding” in Real Estate?

Funding is the final step in the mortgage process when the buyer’s lender officially releases the loan money to the title company. Once the funds are disbursed, the transaction can be recorded with the county, and the buyer becomes the legal owner of the home.

Think of funding like the moment when the money changes hands—only in this case, it happens electronically through escrow/title, not in person. It comes after closing but before you get your keys.

📝 Here’s a Quick Breakdown of the Process:

1. Final Signing ("Closing")

   • Both the buyer and seller sign their respective closing documents, usually at the title company or through a mobile notary.

   • This is often the day buyers think they’re “done”—but not quite!

2. Lender Review & Final Approval

   • After you sign, the title company sends the signed documents back to your lender for a final quality check.

   • The lender confirms everything is in order—loan terms, title insurance, and required documentation.

3. Funding

   • Once the lender is satisfied, they release the loan funds to the title company.

   • The title company then disburses the money: paying off the seller’s mortgage (if any), paying closing costs, and holding back escrow reserves.

4. Recording

   • Next, the transaction is recorded with the county clerk’s office.

   • Only once the sale is officially recorded is ownership legally transferred to you, the buyer.

5. You Get the Keys!

   • 🎉 THIS is the moment everyone’s been waiting for.

   • Once funding is complete and the sale is recorded, the title company or your REALTOR® (hopefully us!) will hand over the keys.

⏰ So When Will You Actually Get the Keys?

Here’s the truth: you don’t get the keys at closing—at least, not right away.

In Texas, especially in the San Antonio market, it’s common for there to be a short delay (sometimes a few hours, or even until the next day) between signing and funding. Why? Because funding depends on the lender finishing their final review and wiring the funds.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re planning movers, appliance deliveries, or utilities, always wait until funding and recording are complete. We can give you updates in real time so you don’t end up sitting on the curb with a truck full of furniture!

🔍 Why Funding Matters (and What Can Delay It)

Funding is more than a formality—it’s what makes the sale official. Without funding:

• You don’t legally own the home.

• You can’t get the keys.

• The seller hasn’t been paid yet.

Things that might delay funding include:

• Missing documents

• Errors in closing paperwork

• Wire transfer delays

• Final lender verifications

That’s why the Garza Home Team works closely with your lender and title company to ensure the funding process goes as smoothly (and quickly) as possible.

🗝️ The Garza Home Team Promise

At Garza Home Team San Antonio Real Estate, we’re more than just agents—we’re your homeownership advocates. We believe that understanding each step of the buying process empowers you to make better decisions and reduces surprises along the way.

When you work with us, we’ll:

✅ Guide you through each step of the closing and funding process
✅ Keep you updated on the timeline and key milestones
✅ Coordinate with the lender and title company to ensure you get your keys ASAP
✅ Be there for the hand-off and your big move-in moment

🛠️ Bonus Tip: Plan for Your Move Like a Pro

Since key delivery is tied to funding, here’s how we recommend timing things:

• Don’t schedule your movers for the morning of closing day.

• Give yourself a cushion: Plan your move for the day after funding is expected, especially if you're closing late in the day or on a Friday.

• Ask your agent for a realistic timeline. We’ve been through this hundreds of times and can help you prepare for possible delays.

💬 Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Stay Excited

Getting to closing day is a huge accomplishment, but funding is the real moment that seals the deal. Once your loan funds and your name is on record, you officially own the home—and it’s time to celebrate with keys in hand!

Buying a home can be complex, but with the right team by your side, it doesn’t have to be confusing. At Garza Home Team San Antonio Real Estate, we’re here to make the process transparent, educational, and stress-free.

📲 Have more questions about buying a home in San Antonio? Thinking about making a move? Let’s talk. We’d love to help you turn those keys into your next chapter.

Ready to start your home buying journey?

Visit us at www.GarzaHome.com or follow us on Facebook and YouTube for more real estate tips and updates.

Let’s open doors—together. 😁