What is the purpose of the closing statement in a real estate transaction?

The closing statement serves as a comprehensive summary of the financial aspects involved in a real estate transaction. It provides a detailed accounting of all the costs associated with the sale, including escrow fees, title insurance, and lender fees. This document ensures that both the buyer and seller have a clear understanding of the transaction's financial implications, as it outlines all debits and credits involved, making the closing process transparent. By summarizing these fees for approval, it allows each party to review and consent to the financial components before finalizing the transaction.

The other options, while related to different aspects of a real estate transaction, do not capture the primary significance of the closing statement. The sales price and terms are indeed important, but they are more thoroughly detailed in the purchase agreement rather than the closing statement. Similarly, finalizing the buyer's loan application focuses on the approval process of financing rather than the summarization of costs. Detailing inspection results pertains to assessing the property's condition, which is separate from the financial summary that the closing statement provides.