Free Resource · Real Estate Closing Checklist · Atlanta, GA

Real Estate
Closing Checklist
Atlanta, GA

Never miss a deadline again. 28 items across 5 transaction phases — built for real estate agents in Atlanta and Metro Georgia. Interactive and print-ready. Free.

28 items across 5 phases Interactive — check off as you go Print-ready Built for Georgia real estate Free — no strings
Transaction Progress 0%
0 Completed 28 Total Items 28 Remaining
Phase 01Contract Executed — Immediate Actions0/6▾
✓
Confirm all parties have signed and initialed every page
⚠ Critical — unsigned or un-initialed pages can void the contract
✓
Note all contract deadlines: inspection, appraisal, loan commitment, closing date
⚠ Critical — transfer immediately to your tracking system
✓
Distribute fully executed contract to all parties: buyer, seller, both agents, lender, title
Send within 24 hours of execution
✓
Verify earnest money details: amount, due date, where it's going, who's holding
Confirm receipt once deposited
✓
Open your transaction file and create the deadline timeline
Every contingency date logged with reminders set 48 hours in advance
✓
Introduce yourself to all key parties and set communication expectations
Buyers especially appreciate a warm, professional first touch
Phase 02Due Diligence Period0/6▾
✓
Schedule home inspection — confirm date/time with all parties
⚠ Must be completed before due diligence deadline
✓
Review inspection report and flag items requiring seller response or repair negotiation
Document everything in writing — no verbal agreements
✓
If repair request or amendment: submit, execute, and file before deadline
⚠ Unsigned amendments are not binding — get all signatures
✓
Order seller disclosures if not already received — review for completeness
Delivery to buyer must be documented
✓
Confirm buyer has submitted full loan application with lender
Follow up if no confirmation within 5 business days of contract
✓
Order title search / open title if not done at contract
Confirm title company has the executed contract
Phase 03Loan & Appraisal Phase0/6▾
✓
Confirm appraisal has been ordered — get estimated completion date
⚠ Appraisal delays are the #1 cause of closing date extensions
✓
If appraisal comes in low: document the gap, communicate options, and get direction in writing
⚠ Low appraisal without a written resolution can kill the deal
✓
Follow up with lender weekly — track loan status and identify any conditions to clear
Ask specifically: "What is outstanding?" Don't wait for them to call you
✓
Confirm loan commitment received before loan commitment deadline
⚠ Critical — missing this deadline can release the seller from contract
✓
Verify buyer has homeowner's insurance in place and confirm policy details with lender
Many lenders require proof of insurance before issuing clear to close
✓
Confirm HOA documents delivered and review period completed (if applicable)
Note any restrictions, fees, or violations — communicate to buyer
Phase 04Pre-Close Preparation0/5▾
✓
Request and review draft settlement statement (ALTA/HUD) from title
⚠ Verify all credits, fees, and commission figures — errors here delay closing
✓
Confirm closing date, time, and location with all parties — send written confirmation
Include title company address, parking instructions, and what to bring
✓
Confirm lender has issued "clear to close" — get it in writing
Do not assume CTC — request written confirmation
✓
Schedule final walkthrough — confirm with buyer 24–48 hours before closing
Note any issues discovered during walkthrough — resolve before close
✓
Confirm wire instructions with title company — verify directly, do not relay from email
Wire fraud is real. Always call to verify wire instructions independently
Phase 05Closing Day & Post-Close0/5▾
✓
Confirm closing is proceeding — check in with title and lender morning of
Last-minute issues are rare but real — early check eliminates surprises
✓
Attend closing or confirm TC representation is in place
⚠ Closing without representation increases errors — stay present or assign coverage
✓
Confirm deed recorded and keys transferred — follow up within 2 hours of close
Recording can take hours — don't assume it's complete until confirmed
✓
Collect final signed settlement statement — save to your compliance file
This is your audit protection — organize and store immediately
✓
Send post-close follow-up to buyer and seller — thank them and request a review
The experience is fresh now. This is your highest-conversion moment for referrals
The 5 Phases

How a Georgia Real Estate Transaction Closes — Phase by Phase

Every real estate transaction in Atlanta follows the same five-phase structure. Here's what each phase involves and what can go wrong without proper tracking.

Phase 01

Contract Executed

File setup, deadline logging, earnest money, and distributing the executed contract to all parties.

Phase 02

Due Diligence

Inspection scheduling, repair negotiations, seller disclosures, loan application, and title opening.

Phase 03

Loan & Appraisal

Appraisal tracking, loan commitment deadline, HOA documents, and homeowner's insurance confirmation.

Phase 04

Pre-Close Prep

Settlement statement review, CTC confirmation, final walkthrough, and wire instruction verification.

Phase 05

Closing Day

Morning check-in, deed recording, keys, final settlement statement, and post-close follow-up.

FAQ

Real Estate Closing Checklist — Common Questions

Is this checklist specific to Georgia?

Yes — it's built around Georgia real estate contract timelines, state-specific disclosure requirements, and Georgia title company workflows. It applies to transactions throughout Metro Atlanta and statewide.

How is this different from what a TC does?

A transaction coordinator manages all 28 of these items for you — plus compliance review, document accuracy checks, multi-party communication, and pre-close audits. The checklist shows you what's involved; a TC handles all of it.

What are the most common items agents miss?

Loan commitment deadline (often missed due to lender delays), wire instruction verification (fraud risk), and the pre-close settlement statement review. These three alone cause the majority of closing day problems.

Can I use this for every transaction?

Yes — it covers residential purchase transactions in Georgia. For commercial or unique deals, some items may need adjustment. Use the print version to create a transaction-specific paper trail.

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