What to do before a closing date: a checklist

A closing date gives you a fixed deadline and usually one chance to make your offer. Use the days before it to make sure your offer is affordable, competitive and something you will not regret.

Finance

• Mortgage agreement in principle is current and covers the amount you need
• You know how much the lender will lend on this property's valuation
• Your deposit and fees are available, not tied up in savings with notice periods
• You have worked out the LBTT and total cost to buy

Solicitor

• Solicitor instructed and has noted interest for you
• You know their deadline for your instructions, which may be earlier than the closing date
• You have agreed how your offer will be worded and any conditions

Looking at a specific property? Get a free report on that home, written around what you need.

The property

• Home Report read in full, including the Property Questionnaire
• Category 2 and 3 items understood and, if needed, a rough repair cost
• Second viewing done, ideally at a different time of day
• Factor details and any planned common repairs checked
• Planning applications nearby checked on the council's planning portal

Questions for the agent

• How many notes of interest are there?
• What date of entry does the seller want?
• Which fixtures and fittings are included?
• Is the seller buying elsewhere and dependent on this sale?

See the full list of questions to ask the estate agent.

Your offer

• Maximum figure set, based on your budget and the evidence, not on emotion
• Precise offer figure chosen (see how much to offer)
• Conditions kept to the ones you need
• Date of entry chosen, with some flexibility if you can offer it
• You have decided in advance how you will feel if you lose out

On the day

Closing dates are often set for 12 noon. The agent usually contacts the successful bidder the same day. If you are not successful, ask your solicitor to tell the agent you are still interested in case the accepted sale falls through.