What to Do Before Closing on a House
2026
You searched for homes over the course of months or even years. You endured a series of offers and counter offers, property disclosures, inspections and reports. Finally, after so much excitement, stress and anxiety, the house hunt has come to an end.
But the story isn’t over yet. Here’s what to do before closing on a house.
Plan work way in advance
By the time the contract is signed, you will probably have many ideas about how you’ll customize the house and what work needs to be done.
If the home needs work, don’t wait until you’ve closed to engage a painter, floor refinisher or general contractor. Get the proper contractors in the house either during your final walk-through or a private appointment after you’ve removed your contingencies. Start getting bids. If possible, have floor sanding, painting or small fix-it work done before moving in. Real estate agents are often a great resource for referrals.
Set up utilities
Call the utility companies and get service set up well before the closing. If they haven’t received cancellation notice from the seller, let the seller know to take care of that.
Change the locks
The seller’s real estate agent likely gave copies of the keys to your new home to an assistant, a painter, stager or even another agent. That’s why the first person you should call after getting the keys is a locksmith.
Bring in a cleaning crew
Get a professional cleaning crew in the minute after the closing. Even if the seller cleaned, they may have done a poor job. The movers might make a mess while you’re moving in, of course. But the bones of the place will be sparkling clean and you won’t be scrambling to get cleaners in while the home you unpack.
Have a handyman, small contractor or designer on call
Moving in can take days, if not weeks. You’ll be busy doing things like aligning framed artwork, centering the couch in the living room or getting the large rug set up in the master bedroom. Nailed multiple holes in the wall in an attempt to get your family photos lined up on the staircase? Imagine doing all this throughout a 3,000-square-foot house.
While it may seem like a luxury, paying a few hundred dollars to have someone take orders, help with setting up, and take on some of these mindless tasks will save you time and headaches.
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