Your Complete 2026 New York Home Buying and Selling Checklist

This is the final post in this series. It is designed to be the most immediately useful: a complete action checklist for buyers and sellers, organized by phase, that you can return to at any point in your transaction.

FOR SELLERS

Phase 1: Preparation (6 to 8 Weeks Before Listing)

• Request a Comparative Market Analysis from 2 to 3 agents
• Calculate estimated net proceeds using a seller's net sheet
• Obtain current mortgage payoff quote from your lender
• Research any additional liens on the property
• Interview listing agents – use the specific performance questions from this series
• Sign listing agreement after reviewing all terms with your attorney
• Engage your real estate attorney before listing
• Complete Property Condition Disclosure Statement with attorney guidance
• Declutter every room, closet, and storage space
• Complete all visible deferred maintenance
• Fresh paint in neutral colors throughout
• Professional deep cleaning
• Curb appeal improvements – lawn, landscaping, front door, exterior lighting
• Stage key rooms – living room, kitchen, primary bedroom
• Schedule professional photography only when the home is fully ready

Phase 2: Active Listing

• Confirm MLS listing is complete and accurate before going live
• Verify listing appears correctly on Zillow and Realtor.com
• Open house scheduled and promoted for first weekend
• Weekly check-in with agent for showing volume and buyer feedback
• Compare showing volume to market benchmarks
• Assess pricing if showing activity is below market norms after 14 days

Phase 3: Offer to Contract

• Review every offer on price, financing, contingencies, timeline, and risk
• Negotiate with strategy – counter rather than accept or reject without thought
• Accept the offer with the best combination of price, terms, and risk
• Attorney drafts and negotiates the contract of sale
• Both parties sign – deposit delivered – contract fully executed

Phase 4: Contract to Closing

• Vacate for home inspection – make all systems accessible
• Review inspection requests with agent and attorney
• Respond to inspection requests specifically – accept legitimate concerns, decline inflated ones
• Monitor mortgage commitment timeline with agent
• Address any title issues identified by the title search
• Review final closing statement – verify every line
• Confirm wire transfer instructions by phone directly with your attorney
• Complete move-out – property empty, broom clean, agreed items present

Closing Day

• Final walkthrough confirms property in contracted condition
• Sign all closing documents
• Net proceeds received by wire transfer
• Deliver all keys, access devices, manuals, warranties
• Establish mail forwarding
• Notify homeowners insurance you no longer own the property
• Keep copies of all closing documents for tax records

FOR BUYERS

Phase 1: Financial Preparation

• Pull credit reports from all three bureaus – review for errors
• Know your credit score before applying
• Calculate realistic monthly housing budget including taxes, insurance, and maintenance
• Calculate total cash requirement – down payment plus closing costs plus reserves
• Gather all mortgage documentation
• Shop multiple lenders for rate and qualification
• Obtain a genuine mortgage pre-approval (not pre-qualification)

Phase 2: The Search

• Define your non-negotiables in writing before you start looking
• Research school districts for areas you're considering
• Visit neighborhoods at different times of day
• Confirm specific school district assignment for addresses you're considering
• Sign a buyer representation agreement with your agent

Phase 3: Making an Offer

• Review comparable sales before making an offer
• Structure the offer strategically – price, contingencies, timeline, deposit
• Submit pre-approval documentation with the offer
• Respond promptly to counter-offers
• Sign contracts and deliver deposit once terms are agreed

Phase 4: Contract to Closing

• Schedule and attend the home inspection
• Submit reasonable inspection requests through your attorney
• Provide all mortgage documentation promptly to your lender
• Cooperate with the appraisal process
• Review managing agent package for condos and co-ops
• Prepare and submit co-op board package if applicable
• Confirm mortgage commitment received before contingency deadline
• Review final closing statement
• Confirm wire instructions by phone with your attorney
• Conduct final walkthrough within 48 hours of closing

Closing Day

• Bring required identification
• Sign all closing documents
• Funds confirmed – transfer verified
• Receive all keys, access devices, manuals, and warranties
• The home is now yours

A Note to Close

This series has covered 150 topics across the full landscape of New York real estate. If even one post helped you make a better decision, ask a better question, or approach a transaction with more confidence, it served its purpose.

My name is Ricky Khanna. I'm a real estate professional in New York with a background in finance and accounting, a license obtained in September 2025, and the ability to serve clients in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

If you're ready to buy, sell, or invest – or if you're still planning and want to start the conversation – I'm here.

Call or text: (321) 447-4259

Website: movewithricky.com

Rakesh (Ricky) Khanna | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Realty Connect
Call or text: (321) 447-4259 | movewithricky.com