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A Home Closing Checklist for Homebuyers

Louisiana REALTORS® • November 26, 2024

On the long and exciting journey to home ownership, there are a lot of things to do. From finding that perfect house in the ideal location for schools, commuting, and other conveniences to envisioning how you’ll decorate, renovate, and enjoy your new place, it can seem like quite a long time. Still, there is a finish line: the closing. 


Getting to the closing table is the final step before your home officially becomes your home. However, before sitting down to sign, initial, and collect your keys, there are a few things you’ll want to do to ensure a smooth, easy home closing.


Take a Final Walk Through

In many instances, you’ll be able to take a final walk-through. This allows you to make sure that the house is in the agreed-upon condition that is stated in the sales agreement. You’ll also be able to confirm that any repairs or other contingencies have been made and met.


Ensure All Contingencies Have Been Addressed

Speaking of contingencies, make sure that these common ones have all been made to your satisfaction. 


Home Inspection Contingency

Every buyer should have a professional home inspection done before they agree to purchase. Any findings should be addressed as part of the purchase agreement. A home inspection typically costs a few hundred dollars but could end up saving you thousands in future repairs. 


Appraisal Contingency

This contingency is done by a third party hired by your lender. The purpose of this appraisal contingency is to determine and evaluate the fair market value of the home you are considering. If the appraisal comes back with a value lower than the sale price, you would be able to get out of the deal without forfeiting any money.


Financing Contingency

This contingency allows you to have the right to back out of a purchase if your mortgage arrangement falls through. From the time you agree to purchase, you’ll have a specified amount of time to arrange funding. This is why it is an excellent idea to get pre-approved before you begin the house-buying process.


Prepare the Following Documents

The following items will be needed at your closing:

  • Proof of homeowner’s insurance
  • A copy of your purchase agreement
  • Your home inspection reports
  • Any paperwork that your lender requires
  • A government-issued photo ID


The most important step in finding the perfect home is finding a great REALTOR®.

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Consumer Guide Update: Alternative Listing Options

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 3, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on alternative listing options. This guide covers the role that MLSs play in marketing a home, office exclusive and delayed marketing exempt listing options, and the disclosure required when filing an exempt listing. For additional information and helpful resources on the new Multiple Listing Options for Sellers policy, please check out facts.realtor . As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Seller Disclosures Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover deeds and titles.
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