A Home Closing Checklist for Homebuyers

Louisiana REALTORS® • November 26, 2024

On the long and exciting journey to home ownership, there are a lot of things to do. From finding that perfect house in the ideal location for schools, commuting, and other conveniences to envisioning how you’ll decorate, renovate, and enjoy your new place, it can seem like quite a long time. Still, there is a finish line: the closing. 


Getting to the closing table is the final step before your home officially becomes your home. However, before sitting down to sign, initial, and collect your keys, there are a few things you’ll want to do to ensure a smooth, easy home closing.


Take a Final Walk Through

In many instances, you’ll be able to take a final walk-through. This allows you to make sure that the house is in the agreed-upon condition that is stated in the sales agreement. You’ll also be able to confirm that any repairs or other contingencies have been made and met.


Ensure All Contingencies Have Been Addressed

Speaking of contingencies, make sure that these common ones have all been made to your satisfaction. 


Home Inspection Contingency

Every buyer should have a professional home inspection done before they agree to purchase. Any findings should be addressed as part of the purchase agreement. A home inspection typically costs a few hundred dollars but could end up saving you thousands in future repairs. 


Appraisal Contingency

This contingency is done by a third party hired by your lender. The purpose of this appraisal contingency is to determine and evaluate the fair market value of the home you are considering. If the appraisal comes back with a value lower than the sale price, you would be able to get out of the deal without forfeiting any money.


Financing Contingency

This contingency allows you to have the right to back out of a purchase if your mortgage arrangement falls through. From the time you agree to purchase, you’ll have a specified amount of time to arrange funding. This is why it is an excellent idea to get pre-approved before you begin the house-buying process.


Prepare the Following Documents

The following items will be needed at your closing:

  • Proof of homeowner’s insurance
  • A copy of your purchase agreement
  • Your home inspection reports
  • Any paperwork that your lender requires
  • A government-issued photo ID


The most important step in finding the perfect home is finding a great REALTOR®.

HOMEBUYING INFORMATION

2026 Legislative Session Scoop - Week 1 Recap

By Louisiana REALTORS® • March 13, 2026
Louisiana’s 2026 Regular Session opened this week with several developments that matter directly to REALTORS ®, property managers and housing providers, alongside some broader political shifts worth watching. HB 292: Security Deposit Return Timelines Rep. Delisha Boyd’s HB 292, which addresses procedures for returning residential security deposits, was deferred to next week. This provides additional time for stakeholders to engage with members on practical impacts for lease administration, move out inspections and documentation standards. We’ll continue working to ensure any changes to deposit law are clear, workable and do not expose housing providers to unreasonable liability. Land Use and Development: St. James Parish Decision The Louisiana Supreme Court’s recent St. James Parish decision significantly tightens the standards for overturning local land use decisions, reinforcing that zoning and permitting authority rests with parish and municipal governments as long as their decisions are not arbitrary or capricious. For real estate and development, that means more predictability if projects are aligned with adopted plans and ordinances, but also higher stakes in local elections, planning processes and parish-level negotiations. Governor’s State of the State In his State of the State address, Governor Jeff Landry reiterated his push to phase out the state income tax, expand the LA GATOR and MJ Foster scholarship and workforce programs, and replace vehicle inspection stickers with a QR code system. These programs frame a debate around long-term competitiveness, workforce readiness and household cost of living which are all key drivers of housing demand and migration patterns. Business & Market Trends The business community is focusing the session on insurance, workforce and energy. Commercial and property insurance costs remain a top concern for employers and property owners, and we are monitoring civil justice and insurance reform proposals that could affect market stability and availability. At the same time, Louisiana is seeing more than $100 billion in announced industrial and data center projects, which could reshape local markets, labor conditions and housing needs in multiple regions of the state. Please view the weekly bill tracking report at the link below provided by our lobbying team over at Harris, DeVille and Associates.
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