What Happens the Week Before Closing on a House?

As the week before closing on a house approaches, the countdown begins. Whether you’re a buyer eagerly waiting to start a new chapter or a seller preparing to hand over the keys, these seven days can create excitement or anxiety. But what happens the week before closing on a house?

This guide outlines what to expect. From the final walkthrough to managing utilities, we share expert tips to help you be prepared and prevent last-minute surprises.

Home sellers: What happens the week before closing

The final week before closing is a flurry of activity for sellers. For our lists below, we’ll assume the home inspection and appraisal have both been completed, and the results were favorable for both the seller and the buyer, allowing the sale to move ahead to closing.

Here’s a final-week checklist of what home sellers need to take care of:

Complete negotiated repairs: Ensure all agreed-upon repairs are completed to avoid any delays.
Move out of the house: Plan your move such that the house is vacated on or before the closing day.
Clean the house: Leave the house in a clean state for the new owners, which is often a requirement.
Coordinate with utility companies: Arrange for utility services to be transferred out of your name effective from the closing date.
Pass the final walkthrough: The final walkthrough is the buyer’s last chance to go through the house and ensure everything is in order.
Attend the closing: Be on time at the closing meeting to sign off on all necessary paperwork.
Turn over the keys: Hand over the keys to the new owner once all formalities are complete. Don’t forget to leave garage door openers.
Get paid: Once all financial transactions are settled, you should receive the payment from the sale.

If you’re working with an experienced real estate agent, they will guide you through the week before closing to be certain none of these key steps slip through the cracks.

“When we represent the seller, we have a little checklist that we give them,” says Trevor Heuser, a HomeLight Elite agent serving Austin, Texas. “The checklist contains helpful reminders for the [final] walkthrough, such as making sure all utilities are on, everything is okay inside the house, and the home is empty.”

Homebuyers: What happens the week before closing

For buyers, Heuser says the week leading up to closing is all about dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s — and avoiding pitfalls that can delay the deal. Again, a seasoned agent will keep things moving smoothly.

“My assistant checks in with the lender and title company prior to closing,” Heuser explains. “We have a checklist that we go through as we get within a week just to make sure that the lender has everything that they need on their end in order to fund the deal. They also make sure that the title company has everything figured out ahead of time in terms of operations with the lender.”

Here’s a final-week checklist of what homebuyers need to focus on:

Final walkthrough: Visit the property to ensure it’s in the agreed condition and that all conditions of the sale are met.
Review the final closing disclosure: Check the closing disclosure details against your loan estimate. Be certain it matches what you’ve been told and what you expected.
Respond to requests from the underwriter: Provide any additional documentation your lender needs to finalize the loan.
Start homeowners insurance policy: Ensure your policy is in effect from the day of closing.
Set up utilities in your name: Arrange for utilities to be transferred to your name, starting on the closing date.
Coordinate your move: Organize the logistics of your moving day, aiming for minimal disruption.
Attend the closing: Be present to sign the paperwork and finalize the purchase.
Pay for the home, get the keys: Complete your payment and receive the keys to your new home.

Optional: Hire professional cleaners so life in your new home starts with a sparkle.

Heuser says clear and prompt information is vital during the week before closing on a house.

“When we represent the buyer, we make certain there is an open line of communication with the title company, the lender, and the seller,” he says. “We make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the walkthrough, and then we message the agent on the other side.”