But it doesn't have to be that way if you've done your homework on home-buying. Because if you understand the terms, the procedures, and the reasons behind the closing process, you'll know how to be fully prepared. And things are likely to go much more smoothly and predictably.

The first thing you need to expect is the unexpected delay. Be patient?and don't get scared, panicky, and worried that the deal is falling apart. If you've got all the necessary paperwork, things will be okay. And bring your checkbook to the closing since there will be fees to pay. Some fees might require a cashier's check, so ask the people at the title company about this well in advance. You'll want to have time to take care of this at your bank. It will be the seller's responsibility to provide the deed, any recent property tax bill, and other relevant documents for the closing.

The second thing you need to expect? Lots of unfamiliar legal and financial terms. But don't let them make you uncomfortable or intimidated. Here are simple explanations of the ones you'll most likely have to sign at the closing:

The Note is the document requiring the buyer to repay the loan. It specifies the amount of the loan, the monthly payment, the interest rate, when the payment is due, and when it is legally late.

The Settlement Statement itemizes things like the purchase price, the loan amount, the cost of the transaction, and what party pays for each fee. The buyer and the seller should each get their own copy in advance. That's so each party will have enough time to review and address any concerns. This will save time at closing.

The Deed of Trust gives the lender the right to the property in the event of non-payment.

The Warranty Deed is signed by the seller. It states that the seller has transferred the Deed to the buyer.

A Rider to Deed of Trust goes into detail if the house is in a homeowners? association or is a multi-family dwelling.

The Planned Unit Development (PUD) is another term for a homeowners? association. A homeowners? association may also put a lien against the owner, but it is secondary to the lender's lien.

The Two-To-Four Rider describes the house in more detail if it is for two to four families. Anything over four units is considered commercial.

The Property Survey is required by the lender. The seller supplies it. The survey determines the property's boundaries, easements, encroachments, right of ways, and improvements. If there are any encroachments, the lender will stop the transaction. The lender then usually requires that the situation be fixed or resolved; one way to do that might be through additional title insurance coverage.

The Form 4506/8821 is usually the normal buyer-acknowledged authorization form. The lender can request a copy of the buyer's tax returns for an audit or quality-control purposes.

A Flood Determination informs the buyer if the property lies within a flood plain. The flood plain information is part of the property survey. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) is the source of the flood plain maps. If the property is within the flood plain, the buyer will need to purchase flood insurance as a condition of closing.

Hazard Insurance coverage protects the property should a catastrophe happen that involves fire or other calamities. A standard policy covers the value of the home and/or the loan amount.

The Sales Agreement or Contract of Purchase states that the seller agrees to sell and that the buyer agrees to buy the property under certain terms.

Earnest Money is offered by the buyer to take the house off the market until details of the transaction are completed. Sometimes, the offer and the transaction may fall through for reasons like inadequate financing or not coming to terms on repairs. The buyer may sometimes lose the earnest money. If the deal goes through, the earnest money is applied to the down-payment.

A Home Inspection can be ordered by the buyer; it is a report on the conditions of a house. It lists any repairs and defects.

A Name Affidavit must be signed if you have used another name or versions of your name. And you will need to show a picture ID.

Okay, so now that you know what kind of documents you might see and/or sign at the closing, congratulations! You're ready to buy that house. Just make sure to be on time for your closing. It usually will take place at the title company's office. And if there's anything you don't understand during the process, just ask. Everybody wants you to be a well-informed buyer?and a happy new homeowner.