My secondary home/recreational area follows your process.  

In Md buyers usually get keys at the closing table.

In VA, when the title is recorded.

In Minnesota, it is after the real closing....meaning after all funds and settlement has been completed.

In New Hampshire buyer get the keys at the closing table.  

Joan has it right. :)

Good morning Tammy. Love the question and lending in 8 states as I do, the common practice is different, but most of the time, it's at the closing table.

You're right!  It's all in the contract when the keys are delivered.  Good stuff Tammy!            

Yes, it is (or should be) all in the contract. Our state forms say at closing, but closing only occurs once it is funded, imho.

It does differ from state to state when buyers get possession and confuses people who move around alot. In NC, technically you don't own the home until the deed's been recorded and so shouldn't get keys until then. In SC, you'll get keys at the closing table before recordation so long as all the funds to purchase the home are in the closing attorney's account.

What a defining moment in Real Estate..."the keys"....Whatever swapping takes place, make it memorable

Tammy Lankford, Lake Sinclair homes look inviting! I wonder if they are near a bus line or any type of major roads

Thank you for sharing this today! I really enjoyed reading your blog post!

Great post feature worthy indeed. Unless otherwise agreed upon the keys are give and closing and funding. Otherswise agreed upon in writing of course 

We make sure the buyers understand that part of the contract during review. Definition of "settlement" in NC is as Nina Hollander states, after the deed is recorded.  It typically happens within 15-30 minutes of signing at the closing table, I've never heard of it taking longer than overnight.  This gives the paralegals time to do one last update to the title.  It feels comfortable like that.