Closing logistics

As ridiculous as it sounds, can somebody explain to me who got what checks at your closing? We got our near final estimate yesterday (closing Thurs) and I found it very confusing because the lender is netting out a lot (potentially all?) of their costs from the mortgage proceeds and we're writing a bigger check to the seller to compensate. When I add up the #s, it seems like our total closing costs are what I estimate but the worksheet was completely confusing and this seems like a convalulted way of doing it. A friend told me he got one bank check and I guess the lawyer or lender distributed the proceeds to the correct parties. I had just assumed we got the seller a bank check for the down payment, taxes paid and oil in the tank and another bank check for the lender with the rest of the costs and just a personal check to our lawyer (mortgage insurance has been paid already). Can you tell me how your closing worked and if your closing costs were netted from the mortgage proceeds? Thanks!

Re: Closing logistics

i can tell you that it ain't that simple!!

we just sold, and had to pay out $$ to our home equity loan that we had, the realtor, AND my primary mortgage company...

so, mine was a different story (i was seller) and still needed to pay out $$.

Re: Closing logistics

Our seller was in a financial mess, so I had to bring checks for various debt collectors and attorneys and a check for him as well. If you have any concerns talk to your real estate attorney, ours was so great at explaining everything.