What Happens the Week Before Closing on a House?

The week before closing is one of the busiest stages of a home sale. It’s when buyers and sellers complete the final steps to prepare for closing day, including the final walkthrough, signing and reviewing paperwork, transferring funds, confirming insurance, and planning move-in or move-out details. In short, this is the week when everything comes together to ensure a smooth handoff of the home.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Denver, CO, Charlotte, NC, or San Diego, CA, this Redfin guide will walk you through what happens the week before closing, what to expect from both sides of the transaction, and how to prepare for a stress-free closing day.

Why the week before closing on a house is so important

The week before closing on a house is a critical time for both buyers and sellers to tie up loose ends and ensure a smooth transaction. Sellers use this period to finalize repairs, organize documents, and address any outstanding issues, while buyers complete tasks like the final walkthrough, reviewing loan details, confirming homeowners insurance, and preparing closing funds. 

Last-minute hurdles like missing paperwork, repair disputes, or lender delays can still arise, but understanding what happens in the final week helps everyone stay organized, avoid surprises, and move confidently toward closing day.

Responsibilities the week before closing

Both sides should maintain open communication with their Redfin agents, lender, and title company. Staying proactive helps avoid delays and ensures everyone is ready for signing day

For sellers

When asking what happens the week before closing on a house, sellers should focus on delivering the property in agreed-upon condition and preparing for the final handoff:

• Complete any required repairs or improvements from the contract
• Schedule professional cleaning and remove all personal belongings
• Coordinate utility transfers or cancellations
• Ensure the home is ready for the buyer’s final walkthrough
• Review your closing statement and confirm payoff amounts
• Bring all keys, remotes, and access codes to the closing appointment

For buyers

Meanwhile, buyers should focus on finalizing their financing, confirming details, and preparing for ownership:

• Complete the final walkthrough to confirm the home’s condition
• Review the closing disclosure and loan terms
• Finalize homeowners insurance (effective by closing day)
• Confirm wire transfer or cashier’s check for closing costs
• Schedule utility setup and moving logistics
• Bring ID and required documentation to closing

What to avoid the week before closing

The week before closing is a critical time where what you don’t do can be just as important as your active steps. To ensure a smooth, on-schedule, and stress-free finish to the sale, you must avoid common pitfalls such as making major financial changes or leaving necessary paperwork incomplete.

Sellers should avoid:

• Removing fixtures or appliances without approval
• Neglecting final cleaning or repairs
• Overlapping move-out and buyer move-in dates
• Forgetting to switch off or transfer utilities

Buyers should avoid:

• Making large purchases or opening new credit lines
• Changing jobs or income sources without notifying your lender
• Delaying insurance activation
• Ignoring your lender’s document requests

>> Read: What Not to Do Before Buying a House: 16 Mistakes to Avoid

A step-by-step timeline for the week before closing

This day-by-day checklist outlines what typically happens the week before closing on a house, helping both buyers and sellers stay organized and prepared for the big day.

Closing week set backs to watch for

Despite thorough preparation, unforeseen complications can emerge right before the closing date. The following are typical issues that both buyers and sellers frequently encounter in the last few days prior to closing.

• Funding delays from the lender
• Walkthrough issues if repairs weren’t completed
• Incorrect wire transfer details or timing
• Utility overlap or early shutoff
• Miscommunication about possession timing

To avoid potential last-minute complications, maintain proactive communication with both your real estate agent and the title company.

FAQs: What happens the week before closing on a house?

1. Can the closing date change the week before closing on a house?

Yes, closing dates can shift due to lender delays, title issues, or mutual agreement between buyer and seller. Stay in touch with your agent and title company to adjust accordingly.

2. Who pays for closing costs during the week before closing on a house?

Closing costs are determined in the purchase agreement. Typically, buyers pay for loan-related fees and escrow costs, while sellers may cover title insurance or agent commissions depending on the state.

3. Can you back out the week before closing on a house?

It’s possible but risky. Backing out without a valid contingency could mean losing your earnest money deposit or facing legal consequences.

>> Read: Can You Back Out of Buying a House Before Closing?

4. What should buyers bring on closing day?

Buyers should bring a government-issued ID, proof of insurance, and a certified check or wire transfer for closing funds. Confirm the payment method with your closing agent in advance.

5. What happens with utilities the week before closing on a house?

The seller should schedule a shutoff or transfer for the closing date, and the buyer should activate accounts to start the same day. This ensures no service interruption.

6. What happens if repairs aren’t completed before closing?

If the seller fails to complete agreed-upon repairs, the buyer may delay closing, negotiate a credit, or request funds to be held in escrow until repairs are done.

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