Getting a real estate contract through inspections is only part of the job. The final stretch before closing can bring its own problems—from delayed cash funds and condo requirements to title issues, utilities, missing furnishings, keys, and last-minute walkthrough surprises.
Watch the 16-minute video to learn what to check between contract and closing so you can catch potential problems early and help your buyer reach closing day with fewer surprises.
Resources Mentioned in This Lesson
Get Contract To Close Field Guide
Use the link above to get the Contract To Close Field Guide to help you keep track of the details that can easily get missed as a transaction moves toward closing.
Quick Summary
Once inspections are behind you, don't assume the transaction will simply coast to closing. This is the time to stay in contact with your buyer, title company, listing agent, and association when applicable.
On a cash transaction, confirm early where the buyer's closing funds are coming from and how long it will take to make those funds available. If a condo or HOA is involved, make sure applications, interviews, estoppel information, and access requirements are moving forward. Confirm how the buyer plans to take title, especially if a trust or LLC is involved.
As closing approaches, help the buyer arrange utilities and prepare for the final walkthrough. At the walkthrough, verify the property's condition, agreed-upon furnishings and personal property, completed repairs, keys, fobs, access codes, storage areas, and basic systems before the buyer closes.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm the buyer's source of cash early. Moving money from retirement, investment, or other accounts can take longer than expected.
- Don't let a buyer's last-minute financing plans create an avoidable closing delay.
- Stay on top of condo or association applications, interviews, estoppel requirements, and access information.
- Confirm how the buyer intends to take title and address trust or LLC requirements before closing gets close.
- Help the buyer coordinate utilities so essential services are available at closing.
- For furnished properties, compare the final walkthrough against the contract and listing photos so agreed-upon items haven't disappeared or been substituted.
- Conduct the final walkthrough as close to closing as practical and check the property's current condition, repairs, plumbing, and other important systems.
- Account for keys, mailbox keys, fobs, storage access, elevator or building codes, and other items the buyer will need after closing.
- Stay in communication with the title company so missing documents or unfinished tasks can be addressed before they become closing-day problems.
- Complete your brokerage paperwork on time so the transaction—and your commission—can be processed properly.
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