Every real estate transaction follows a predictable sequence. When you know the steps by heart, nothing catches you off guard. Here's how the timeline typically unfolds.
Buyer Side
Offer accepted, then subjects period (financing, inspection, title review), then subject removal, then deposit delivered, then completion day (title transfers), then possession day (keys in hand).
Seller Side
Offer accepted, then buyer's subjects period, then negotiation if inspection reveals issues, then subject removal, then prepare for completion, then hand over keys on possession day.
Typical Timeline
Print these checklists. Use them on every transaction. Missing one step can delay a closing or worse.
Buyer Transaction Checklist
- Send accepted offer to buyer's lawyer (same day)
- Schedule home inspection (within 24 hours)
- Confirm financing with mortgage broker (send them the CPS)
- Review title (lawyer checks for liens, easements, encumbrances)
- Request and review strata documents (if condo or townhome)
- Remove subjects by deadline (sign subject removal form)
- Confirm deposit delivered to listing brokerage trust account
- Coordinate with lawyer for document signing
- Schedule final walkthrough (day before or morning of possession)
- Confirm keys and access on possession day
Seller Transaction Checklist
- Send accepted offer to seller's lawyer (same day)
- Respond to inspection requests (repair credit, price adjustment, or as-is)
- Confirm buyer's subjects have been removed
- Prepare for appraisal if required by buyer's lender
- Coordinate with lawyer for document signing
- Arrange for possession: utilities transferred, mail forwarded, moving scheduled
- Final cleanup and key handover on possession day
The full playbook
Read the full playbook free on Skool.
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