Usually within a few days of closing . . . you'll be notified, either by your lender or attorney, that you're "clear to close." This means that the package of mortgage documents is ready to be signed. Your attorney and the seller's attorney will schedule the time and place of closing.

You'll be bringing money to the closing . . . It should be in the form of a bank or cashier's check so that there will be no question that the funds are in place.

The funds will include: Your remaining down payment. Your attorney's fee (which includes the title insurance premium). Reimbursement of taxes paid by the seller, prorated from closing. Reimbursement for fuel oil remaining in the tank. An escrow deposit for future tax and insurance payments.

Your attorney's paralegal . . . should be able to give you a fairly accurate idea of the final amount a few days before closing. The exact amount is often not determined until the day of the closing. Bring your regular checkbook so that you can make up for any possible shortfall. These checks will be made out to your attorney who will deposit them in the firm's escrow account.