Can I write a personal check for the funds needed to close?
To control risk, most closing attorneys will accept only a very limited amount of money in the form of a personal check. And, Georgia law absolutely prohibits closing attorneys from taking more than $5000 in personal funds. Therefore, the lender will let you know – and the closing attorney will reinforce it – that you must get either a cashier’s or certified check for the amount needed to close. Most people have the check made payable to oneself. If you aren’t told an exact amount prior to closing, the best practice is to get a cashier’s or certified check in the estimated amount needed, then bring your personal checkbook to closing to make up the relatively small difference. If your cashier’s or certified check amount is greater than the amount needed to close, you will receive a refund at closing.
