The short list
Settlement itself is largely signing. Arrive with these and it is uneventful.
- Valid government issued photo identification for every person signing.
- Funds wired in advance, after verifying instructions by phone with a number you looked up yourself.
- Confirmation that the homeowners policy is in force as of the settlement date.
One safety note
Wire fraud is the single most serious risk in a real estate transaction. Instructions sent by email can be intercepted and altered convincingly.
Always call the title company using a number you obtained independently and confirm the account details verbally before sending anything. No legitimate party will object to that call.