Buyer ToolkitThe Whalley Group

Dashboard First-Time Buyers Timeline Checklists Mortgage

Buyer Checklists

Interactive checklists for every stage of the buying process. Your progress is saved automatically in your browser.

Pre-Approval Documents

What to gather before meeting with your lender.

Last 2 years of W-2s or 1099s
Last 2 years of full tax returns
Last 30 days of pay stubs
Last 2 months of bank statements (all accounts)
Retirement and investment account statements
Government-issued photo ID
Down payment funds located and documented
List of monthly debts (car, student loans, credit cards)
Gift letter (if using gifted funds)

Showing Checklist

What to evaluate and record at every home you tour.

Reviewed wants vs. needs list before the showing
Checked Google Street View before attending
Rated exterior first impression (1–10)
Rated interior first impression (1–10)
Took video tour of the home
Noted the lot, location, and neighborhood (cannot be changed)
Looked past decor/staging to focus on permanent features
Checked storage, natural light, and layout
Noted 3 pros and 3 cons
Confirmed interest level: No way / Maybe / Very interested / It's the one

Under Contract Checklist

Critical tasks and deadlines once your offer is accepted.

Executed contract signed by all parties
Earnest money deposit sent to escrow
Loan application started within 5 days of contract
Home inspections scheduled immediately
General inspection completed
Inspection report reviewed with agent
Repair requests or credits negotiated (if applicable)
Homeowners insurance quotes obtained
Appraisal ordered by lender
Survey ordered (if required)
Title search completed by closing attorney
"Clear to close" received from underwriter
No major purchases, job changes, or new credit opened

Final Walk-Through & Closing

Last steps before and on closing day.

Final walk-through scheduled before closing
Confirmed all agreed repairs were completed
Tested lights, faucets, HVAC, and appliances
Confirmed all included items are present
Wired closing funds to attorney's office (verified instructions directly)
Brought photo ID and cashier's check to closing
Signed all loan and title documents
Received keys, garage openers, mailbox keys

Moving Checklist

Everything to handle before and after move-in day.

Moving company booked or truck rental reserved
Utilities transfer scheduled (electric, gas, water, internet)
USPS change of address filed
Banks and financial institutions updated
Driver's license and vehicle registration updated
Voter registration updated
Subscriptions and deliveries updated
Locks rekeyed or replaced after move-in
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors tested
Main water shut-off valve located
Electrical panel labeled
Homestead exemption filed with county assessor

The Whalley Group

David Whalley, REALTOR® · Savannah, Georgia

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