Buying or selling a home is a big milestone, and as a real estate agent, I know just how important it is to make the closing process as smooth as possible. I’m sharing my free real estate closing checklist that I use. It’ll help you through every step of the real estate transaction. With common tasks like closing costs and working with the right title company, closing agent, and even a real estate lawyer or closing attorney, I think you’ll find that this checklist will help you stay on track.
You’ll also find tips for coordinating with your mortgage lender, escrow agent, and preparing your loan estimate to ensure a successful real estate closing. You could be managing a mortgage loan, organizing documents for the home buying process, or checking off items from the buyer’s checklist, my checklist template is designed to keep things simple and stress-free. Let’s take the guesswork out of closing and make sure everything goes as planned. You can customize it to in order to fit your needs.
Download this Real Estate Closing Checklist
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Real Estate Closing Checklist Template Sample
General Information
- ☐ Confirm property address
- ☐ Verify buyer and seller contact details
- ☐ Confirm real estate agent and brokerage information
- ☐ Record closing date and time
- ☐ Verify escrow company and transaction reference details
Financial Details
- ☐ Verify final purchase price
- ☐ Confirm earnest money deposit details
- ☐ Confirm down payment amount
- ☐ Ensure loan approval and lender contact details are accurate
- ☐ Review breakdown of closing costs
- ☐ Prorate property taxes and HOA fees
Required Documents
- ☐ Ensure purchase agreement is signed
- ☐ Review title insurance policy
- ☐ Confirm home inspection report
- ☐ Appraisal report received
- ☐ Verify loan documents are ready
- ☐ Review seller disclosures
- ☐ Ensure proof of repairs is available
- ☐ Include home warranty information (if applicable)
Pre-Closing Tasks
- ☐ Schedule and complete the final walk through
- ☐ Ensure all contingencies, including financing and appraisal, are met
- ☐ Confirm all repairs or updates are completed
- ☐ Obtain homeowners insurance policy
- ☐ Arrange utility transfers (e.g., electricity, water, internet)
- ☐ Verify HOA documents and fees, if applicable
Title and Escrow Tasks
- ☐ Complete title search and clearance
- ☐ Review and confirm title insurance policy
- ☐ Verify escrow account details and funds
- ☐ Ensure all required documents are signed by all parties
Closing Day Checklist
- ☐ Bring driver’s license or government issued photo ID
- ☐ Have certified funds or proof of wire transfer
- ☐ Review and sign the closing disclosure and all documents
- ☐ Complete and sign documents such as the deed and loan package
- ☐ Collect keys, garage openers, and any access items
- ☐ Confirm ownership transfer is documented
Post-Closing Tasks
- ☐ File all closing documents securely
- ☐ Update mailing address with USPS and service providers
- ☐ Set up new accounts for utilities or HOA
- ☐ Follow up with clients for feedback or testimonials
- ☐ Send a thank-you note or closing gift to clients
Additional Notes/Custom Tasks
- ☐ Add specific reminders or case-specific needs
Best Practices for Using this Closing Checklist
To maximize the efficiency and clarity of your closing process, it’s important to approach this checklist with thorough preparation and an eye for detail. Here are some of my best practices to follow as you work through it.
- Ensure all necessary documents are ready and accessible well prior to closing, such as title documents, the promissory note, and any other legal documents required.
- Coordinate with your loan officer to confirm that the loan terms, interest rate, and any details lenders require are accurate and completed.
- Plan your closing appointment carefully, double-checking the transaction process timeline and any additional fees involved.
- If you’re a buyer, consider arranging a cashier’s check or wire transfer for your funds to meet lender requirements.
- Review your monthly payments schedule ahead of time and clarify any questions about property ownership responsibilities.
- Confirm that you’ve been pre-qualified and everything is in place for a seamless transfer of documents. Keep track of documents required for the lender and title agent to avoid delays.
- Anticipate questions that may arise from home buyers, sellers, or other involved parties to ensure all the terms of the transaction are clearly understood.
Stay organized and follow these steps so you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful closing.
Check Back for Updates to this Real Estate Closing Checklist
This real estate closing checklist is designed to keep your real estate transaction efficient and stress-free, but the industry is always evolving. We regularly update this resource to reflect the latest best practices. It could be tips on working with a title company, scheduling your final walk through, or managing closing costs. You might also find new advice on securing homeowners insurance, planning for a home inspection, or coordinating with your escrow agent for a seamless closing day. Be sure to check back often so you have the most up-to-date guidance for a smooth and successful closing experience.
About the Author
Joseph E. Stephenson, REALTOR®
License #00054082 | Kansas & Missouri
Affiliated with Welch & Company (License #CO00000477)
Joseph E. Stephenson is a licensed real estate professional in Kansas and Missouri with a career built on dedication to integrity and client-focused service. To learn more about how Joseph can assist you in your real estate endeavors, visit his REALTOR® profile at realtor.com.
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