Buyer Closing Guide: Step-by-Step Checklist
Updated: Sep 26
1️⃣ Identify the Buyer’s Problem
▢ Determine why they’re buying (renting, upsizing, downsizing, relocating, investing, etc.)
2️⃣ Identify the Solution
▢ Define what type of property best meets their needs and goals.
3️⃣ Schedule and Hold a Buyer Consultation
▢ Build rapport and understand their situation
▢ Demonstrate your professionalism and process
▢ Discuss pre-approval and connect them with a trusted lender if needed
▢ Explain the buying process and timeline
▢ Create an MLS search together and review sample listings
▢ Explain agency relationships and compensation
▢ Get the Buyer Agency Agreement signed
4️⃣ Upload Buyer Agency Agreement
▢ Upload the signed agreement to DotLoop
5️⃣ Schedule Property Tours
▢ Plan showings that align with the buyer’s availability and goals
6️⃣ Reconfirm Buyer’s Needs and Wants
▢ Meet to fine-tune criteria based on feedback and touring experience
7️⃣ Identify the Property to Purchase
▢ Help buyer select the best-fit home
8️⃣ Call the Listing Agent
▢ Ask what terms the seller wants in an offer
▢ Confirm any preferred closing dates or conditions
9️⃣ Write a Winning Offer
▢ Draft a competitive, complete offer package
🔟 Obtain Buyer Signatures on Disclosures
▢ Ensure buyer signs all required disclosures and forms
1️⃣1️⃣ Distribute Executed Contract
▢ Send executed contract to buyer’s attorney, lender, and the listing agent
1️⃣2️⃣ Communicate Details to All Parties
▢ In your introduction email, include key contract dates, contingencies, and contacts
1️⃣3️⃣ Upload Executed Contract & Disclosures
▢ Upload all signed documents to DotLoop
1️⃣4️⃣ Schedule the Home Inspection
▢ Coordinate the inspection — call BrickKicker!
1️⃣5️⃣ Review Inspection Findings with Buyer
▢ Advise on which issues warrant repair requests or credits
1️⃣6️⃣ Negotiate Inspection Items with Listing Agent
▢ Discuss and resolve inspection-related items with the other agent
1️⃣7️⃣ Update Attorneys on Inspection Results
▢ Email both attorneys with final inspection agreements
🔑 NEW: Post-Attorney / Inspection Resolution
1️⃣8️⃣ Request Broker Statement (Kale Realty Requirement)
▢ Request the broker statement from KaleHuddle.com
1️⃣9️⃣ Submit Broker Statement to Attorney
▢ Send the broker statement to the buyer’s attorney for closing preparation
2️⃣0️⃣ Complete Coaching Disbursement Form (if applicable)
▢ If working with a coach, complete the Coaching Fee Disbursement Form at the same time
2️⃣1️⃣ Stay in Touch with Lender
▢ Check regularly that loan approval and appraisal are on track
2️⃣2️⃣ Schedule Final Walk-Through
▢ Book the walk-through 24 hours or less before closing
2️⃣3️⃣ Handle Walk-Through Issues Promptly
▢ Communicate any problems directly to the listing agent
2️⃣4️⃣ Attend the Closing
▢ Support the buyer at the closing table
2️⃣5️⃣ Upload Settlement Statement
▢ Add the final settlement statement to DotLoop
2️⃣6️⃣ Deposit Your Kale Check
▢ Deposit your commission check into Chase
2️⃣7️⃣ Upload Deposit Slip
▢ Upload the deposit slip to DotLoop
✅ Pro Tip: The biggest breakdowns happen between inspection resolution and closing—this is where deals fall apart or get delayed. Stay tight on communication, timelines, and documentation during this phase.
Attorney Review, Inspection, and Appraisal
Attorney review and inspection periods are typically 5 days unless otherwise notated on the contract.
The attorney will handle review, and will send extensions (as long as you keep them in the loop) to the other side of the transaction if you need them for the inspection.
The inspection should only be attended by the buyer. It needs to be scheduled as soon as a contract is signed. I suggest you talk about this at the beginning of the process so your client is prepared and has someone chosen. Set the expectation right away as to who will be scheduling. The buyer and buyers agent should attend. Don’t forget to schedule if you are the buyer!
The appraisal should only be attended by the listing agent. It is recommended you bring comps and chat with the appraiser about their comps so you may be able to point something out.
How should I prepare for a buyer-side closing?
Congrats!!!
A couple days before the closing you will need to contact the listing agent and set up the final walk-through.
Typically, the best time to do this is right before the closing. So if the closing is at 10am, set it up for 9:30am and then drive over to the title company.
At the final walk-through you make sure the seller has cleaned out the property and everything looks good. Flush some toilets, open and close a few windows, etc. Here are some examples of situations I’ve run into:
The seller took the refrigerator and replaced it with a low quality one. At the closing table, the seller had to give the buyer a credit of $5000.
The seller left the property SUPER dirty and had to credit the buyer $250 to clean it up.
The seller took an expensive light fixture. The closing was delayed until the next day after the seller reinstalled the fixture and my clients had a second walkthrough.
CAUTION!
I once told a client that I would do the final walk-through for them as they were out of town. I thought everything looked great. Two days later my clients moved in and there was a huge stain on the carpet. They blamed me and I ended up having to buy them a new carpet for $900!
The moral of the story is don’t do a final walk-through without your client present and make sure to have a keen eye for anything that looks odd. This is the last opportunity to negotiate at the closing table.
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