Picking Up Your Keys

This is the moment most buyers imagine from day one.

After the contracts, inspections, underwriting, funding, and recording are complete, there’s one final step that turns a transaction into a home: picking up your keys.

At Real Estate Two70, we think this moment deserves to be understood — and celebrated. This page explains what picking up your keys actually means, when it happens, and the different ways buyers receive them in Idaho.

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What “Getting the Keys” Really Means

Getting the keys means three things have already happened:

• The loan has funded
• The deed has been recorded (Funding & Recording)
• The possession terms in the contract have been met

Only after those steps are complete does legal possession transfer to the buyer.

In other words: keys are released because you now own the home — not the other way around.

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When Do Buyers Get the Keys?

In most Idaho transactions, keys are released:

• After recording is confirmed
• According to the possession terms in the Purchase and Sale Agreement

This may be:

• The same day as closing
• Later that day
• A later agreed-upon date (for rent-backs or delayed possession)

This is why buyers should never schedule movers or entry based only on the signing appointment (Your Closing Appointment).

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The Many Ways Buyers Receive Their Keys

There’s no single “right” way to receive keys. Here are the most common (and memorable) ways it happens:

🔑 From Your Agent

A classic moment. Your agent meets you at the property and hands over the keys once recording is confirmed.

🏢 From the Title or Escrow Office

Sometimes keys are left with escrow and released after funding and recording.

📦 From a Lockbox

For convenience, sellers may leave keys in a lockbox that is re-authorized for the buyer after closing.

🧰 From the Seller

In some transactions, the seller hands keys directly to the buyer — especially with delayed possession or rent-backs.

📬 Creative (and Memorable) Moments

Occasionally keys come with a note, a ribbon, or a celebratory photo moment. Those are always welcome.

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What Happens Immediately After You Get the Keys?

Most buyers do a few things almost instinctively:

• Walk through the home again — now as the owner
• Confirm utilities are active (Utility Activation)
• Take photos or videos
• Text family or friends: “We’re in.”

This is also a good time to locate:

• Main water shut-off
• Electrical panel
• Gas shut-off

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Should You Change the Locks?

Many buyers choose to rekey or change locks shortly after taking possession.

This is a personal decision, but common reasons include:

• Peace of mind
• Unknown key copies
• New ownership boundaries

If you do this, wait until you legally have possession.

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What If Something Feels Off?

If something unexpected comes up right after possession:

• Pause before assuming the worst
• Document what you’re seeing
• Reach out to your agent promptly

Most issues are small and solvable — and many are not related to the transaction itself.

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Why This Moment Matters

Buying a home isn’t just paperwork. It’s weeks (or months) of decisions, patience, coordination, and trust.

Picking up your keys marks the transition from:

• Buyer → Owner
• Planning → Living
• Transaction → Home

It’s okay to enjoy it.

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How Real Estate Two70 Treats the Finish Line

At Real Estate Two70, we don’t rush the last step — and we don’t minimize it either.

We believe:

• Clear expectations make smooth endings
• Keys should be released legally and calmly
• Buyers deserve to enjoy the moment they worked for

If you ever feel unsure about timing, access, or possession, we’d rather explain it once than let you wonder.

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You’re Home

From contracts to inspections to funding and recording — you did the work.

Welcome home.