Before a Greater Sudbury buyer gets the keys, I would start with the agreement. A pre-closing visit is a chance to compare the home, its inclusions and any agreed repairs with what you bought. It is not a replacement for the earlier home inspection or a time to make a side deal at the property.
Prepare before the visit
Bring the agreement of purchase and sale, amendments and a short list of inclusions, exclusions and repairs. If you want an inspector, contractor, family member or anyone else to attend, ask first: the seller still owns the property before closing, and additional visitors need permission. RECO explains the purpose and access limits of pre-closing visits.
Charge your phone, take a small flashlight and leave enough time to look at areas that were hidden by furniture or belongings on earlier visits. The written agreement is the checklist; a preference, such as wanting a room repainted, is different from an obligation the seller actually agreed to.
Work through the home and record what you see
Check the included appliances and fixtures, agreed repairs, visible condition and major systems where access and time allow. Photograph a concern and note when and where you found it. Do not move or alter the seller's property. This is a practical comparison, not a test that can reveal every concealed or intermittent defect.
| Area | Check | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement items | Inclusions, exclusions and agreed repairs | Missing item, incomplete work or supporting receipt |
| Condition | Material new damage, water, debris and cleanliness terms | Location, photograph and time noticed |
| Systems | Lights, plumbing fixtures, heating or cooling and included appliances where practical | What was tested and what did not operate as expected |
| Access | Keys, remotes, codes, manuals and vacant areas | What the agreement requires and what remains outstanding |
If something appears wrong, raise it before closing
Tell your real estate representative promptly and send the photographs and the relevant agreement term. I can communicate with the seller's side, but your lawyer must advise on contractual remedies and closing instructions. Do not negotiate directly at the property, withhold funds on your own or start repairs before you have legal advice.
If weather or access prevented a meaningful check, document that too. A pre-closing visit cannot replace conditions you needed earlier. For the wider sequence between acceptance and possession, see what happens after an offer is accepted and our guide to the forms buyers and sellers see.
Closing day is a separate step
Confirm identification, insurance, funds and any remaining documents with your lawyer in advance. Arrange utility transfers and movers with some flexibility; keys are released only after completion is confirmed, not at a guaranteed hour on the calendar. RECO's key-release guidance is clear on that point.
Once possession is confirmed, photograph meter readings, check smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, find the shut-offs and make sure the doors lock. If you discover a problem, record it before cleaning or repairing it and seek advice promptly.
Plan the last steps before moving day
If you are buying in Greater Sudbury, I can help you keep the agreement, visit, lawyer and moving timeline connected. Start with the Buyer Experience or ask me about your own closing plan.
— Chad Moore, REALTOR®