Navigating Residential Real Estate Transactions: A Buyer's and Seller's Guide

Keep the contract, contingencies, financing, title questions, and closing documents aligned throughout a home transaction.

Put the agreement and dates in one place

A home purchase or sale involves more than the price. Collect the signed contract, addenda, disclosures, and relevant correspondence. Build a working list of review periods, inspection dates, financing conditions, deposit obligations, and the anticipated closing. Have counsel confirm which dates require action under your particular agreement.

Review the unresolved conditions

Identify what must happen before either party is required to close. Inspection findings, financing, appraisal, title, occupancy, and sale-of-another-property terms may involve different choices and notice requirements. Do not assume an informal conversation extends a deadline or changes the signed agreement.

Ask who is handling each item

Confirm who will address title issues, lender requirements, municipal documentation, insurance, deposits, and closing logistics. Buyers should understand what funds and documents will be needed. Sellers should identify mortgages, liens, occupancy arrangements, and agreed repairs early enough to address them.

Read the closing documents

For covered mortgage transactions, lenders generally must provide the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Review the loan terms, monthly payment, closing costs, and cash needed; compare them with prior disclosures and raise discrepancies promptly. That federal disclosure rule does not replace the rest of the transaction review or apply to every type of financing.

Use the final days deliberately

Confirm the walkthrough, agreed property condition, included items, possession arrangements, and unresolved commitments. Independently verify payment instructions using trusted contact information before sending funds. Keep the final executed documents. Serafini Law can assist with residential transaction review and help define the issues that need attention before you commit or close.

Sources and further reading

CFPB: When do I get a Closing Disclosure?

CFPB: Review documents before closing

Content updated September 7, 2026. General information only; not legal advice. Reading this article or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.