My lender said 'clear to close'? Is that final-final?

Does clear to close mean I'm completely done?

Your lender told you the loan is clear to close, and you want to know if that means everything is completely finished. Clear to close means underwriting has approved your loan and you can schedule your closing appointment, but a few final steps remain before you own the home.

Clear to close typically comes after the underwriter reviews your file and confirms you meet all loan requirements. The lender has verified your income, assets, credit, and the property appraisal. Most conditions from earlier in the process have been satisfied. However, the loan doesn't fund until you sign documents at closing and the title company records the deed.

Between clear to close and funding, lenders commonly run a final employment verification and may pull your credit again to check for new debt. Some lenders also require a final walk-through of the property. If something significant changes—like you lose your job or take on new debt—the lender can still pause the loan.

Once you receive clear to close, contact your real estate agent to schedule the closing appointment. Review your Closing Disclosure for any last-minute changes to costs or terms. Bring a certified check for your down payment and closing costs to the appointment. After you sign the loan documents and they're recorded, the loan funds and you receive the keys.