In one sentence
A state-issued certificate confirming an entity exists and is current on its filings, usually dated within thirty days of closing.
The longer version
Lenders and title companies require good standing certificates for the borrower and often the guarantor and managing entities, from both the state of formation and the state where the property sits if the entity is registered there.
Because certificates are date-sensitive, ordering them too early means reordering before closing. Checklists usually pin them to the closing date with a short lead time.
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