At closing, what method of payment should the buyer use for the closing costs and down payment?

For closing costs and down payment in a real estate transaction, using a cashier's check or wire transfer is the preferred and often required method of payment. Cashier's checks are considered secure since they are guaranteed by the bank, ensuring that the funds are available and reducing the risk of insufficient funds at closing. Wire transfers provide immediate availability of cleared funds, so the seller receives payment promptly.

These methods ensure that the transaction proceeds smoothly, minimizing the risk of delays that might occur with personal checks, which can take time to clear, and thus might not be accepted at closing due to this uncertainty. Promissory notes involve future payments rather than immediate settlement and are not suitable for the immediate financial obligations of closing costs and down payments. Therefore, cashier's checks or wire transfers are not only practical but also align with industry standards for real estate closings.