Practical Real Estate Resources
Stay Organized From Start to Finish
Whether you're buying, selling or preparing for a move, a good checklist helps keep important details from slipping through the cracks. Choose the checklist that fits where you are in the process.
Home Buying
Home Buying Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized from your first financial preparations through closing day.
Before You Start
- Review your monthly budget
- Check your credit and correct any errors
- Estimate available funds for down payment and closing costs
- Gather income and financial documentation
- Speak with a lender about mortgage options
- Obtain a mortgage pre-approval
Define Your Search
- Identify your preferred communities
- Determine your target price range
- List must-have home features
- Separate needs from nice-to-haves
- Consider commute and daily routines
- Review official school resources if applicable
Touring Homes
- Look beyond furniture and décor
- Pay attention to overall condition
- Compare location and lot characteristics
- Consider maintenance requirements
- Take notes after each showing
- Review recent comparable sales with Toni
Making an Offer
- Review recent sales and current competition
- Determine an offer price
- Discuss financing and appraisal considerations
- Review inspection and other contingencies
- Understand deadlines in the contract
- Review the complete offer before signing
Under Contract
- Deliver earnest money as required
- Schedule the home inspection
- Review inspection findings
- Complete lender documentation promptly
- Arrange homeowner's insurance
- Review appraisal results when available
Before Closing
- Review the Closing Disclosure
- Verify funds needed for closing
- Arrange utility transfer
- Complete the final walk-through
- Bring required identification
- Confirm key and possession arrangements
Home Selling
Home Selling Checklist
Prepare your property and stay ahead of the major decisions from pre-listing through closing.
Before Listing
- Meet with Toni to discuss your goals and timing
- Review recent comparable sales
- Discuss pricing strategy
- Review current competing listings
- Locate surveys, warranties and property records
- Identify known repairs or maintenance items
Prepare the Home
- Declutter rooms and storage areas
- Remove excess personal items
- Touch up paint where needed
- Complete minor repairs
- Deep clean the home
- Improve curb appeal and entry presentation
Before Photography
- Clear kitchen and bathroom counters
- Open blinds and curtains
- Replace burned-out bulbs
- Make beds and straighten rooms
- Remove unnecessary vehicles from the driveway
- Secure valuables and sensitive documents
While on the Market
- Keep the home ready for showings
- Respond to showing requests promptly
- Secure pets during showings
- Review buyer feedback with Toni
- Monitor competing listings and new sales
- Discuss strategy adjustments if needed
When an Offer Arrives
- Review offer price
- Review financing terms
- Review requested closing date
- Consider contingencies and concessions
- Review earnest money and other terms
- Discuss counteroffer strategy with Toni
Before Closing
- Complete negotiated repairs
- Keep receipts and contractor records
- Prepare for buyer's final walk-through
- Arrange utility cutoff or transfer
- Remove remaining personal property
- Bring required identification and documents to closing
Moving Day
Moving Checklist
A practical timeline for handling the details before, during and immediately after your move.
6–8 Weeks Before
- Create a moving budget
- Research and verify moving companies
- Get written moving estimates
- Begin sorting belongings
- Donate or discard items you do not want to move
- Create a folder for moving documents and receipts
3–4 Weeks Before
- Confirm mover or truck reservation
- Begin packing nonessential items
- Label boxes by room and contents
- Arrange time away from work if necessary
- Request school, medical and veterinary records
- Plan for pets on moving day
1–2 Weeks Before
- Submit USPS change of address
- Update banks, insurance and important accounts
- Schedule utility start and stop dates
- Confirm internet installation if needed
- Use or donate refrigerated and frozen food
- Confirm moving-day details
A Few Days Before
- Pack an essentials box
- Set aside medications
- Keep important documents with you
- Charge phones and portable batteries
- Confirm payment method for movers
- Photograph valuable items and electronics
Moving Day
- Complete a final walk-through
- Check closets, cabinets and storage areas
- Record utility meter readings if appropriate
- Keep keys, documents and valuables with you
- Verify delivery address with movers
- Check the home before locking up
After You Arrive
- Check utilities and essential systems
- Locate main water and electrical shutoffs
- Change exterior door locks if appropriate
- Update driver and vehicle information
- Update voter registration
- Introduce yourself to your new community
For utility setup, local sanitation information, Tennessee driver requirements and other relocation links, use Toni's full Moving Resources page.
Need Help With the Next Step?
Whether you're preparing to buy, sell or move, Toni can help you understand what comes next and keep the process organized.
Contact ToniHave Questions About Your Next Move?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or preparing for a move, Toni can help you understand what comes next and keep the process on track.