Definition of "Closing Date"
The date on which the closing occurs. On a purchase transaction, there is no financial advantage to the buyer/borrower in closing on any day of the month, as compared to any other day. Buyers should select the closing date as close as possible to the moving date, regardless of the day of the month that is. The interest clock on the loan starts ticking on the closing date, because the lender expects to be paid beginning the day the funds are disbursed. There is no point in paying interest before you are prepared to move. While borrowers pay interest beginning the closing date, they may pay it in different ways, depending on when during the month they close. The first payment on a home loan is due on the first day of a month and includes interest for a full month. Since loans may close anytime within the month, there is always an interest adjustment at closing based on the exact closing date. This is Per Diem Interest or 'prepaid interest.' Closing on different days during the month will shift the amount of interest you pay at closing, but will not affect the total interest you pay beginning at closing.
Have a question or comment? We're here to help.