A contract-to-close checklist for Tennessee buyer’s agents
Every milestone from binding to keys, in order, with the move you make at each one.
Every buyer’s agent has a version of this list on a legal pad or in a spreadsheet. Here’s a clean one, in the order things happen on a typical Tennessee purchase. Your contract’s own numbers always win; the day counts below are common, not universal.
| Milestone | When | Your move |
|---|---|---|
| Binding Agreement Date | Day 0 | Send the contract to the lender and both title offices. Congratulate your buyers. |
| Mortgage application | Usually day 3 | Confirm with the lender that your buyers formally applied. |
| Earnest money | Per the contract, often day 3 | Send your buyers the instructions, and remind them to confirm wiring details by phone. |
| Proof of funds or lender letter | Usually day 5 | Make sure the lender sends it, and the listing agent gets it. |
| Appraisal ordered | Usually day 5 | If there’s an appraisal contingency, confirm the lender ordered it. |
| Inspection period ends | Per the contract | Inspections done, reports in hand, repair proposal ready. |
| Resolution Period ends | Counts from the inspection deadline | Final repair amendment signed by both sides. |
| Homeowners insurance | Usually day 14 | Buyers choose a policy that starts at closing, and tell the lender. |
| Intent to proceed | Usually day 14 | Buyers tell the lender they’re proceeding and have funds to close. |
| Closing gift | 14 days before closing | Order it now so it arrives in time. |
| Utilities | 10 days before closing | Send your buyers the utility transfer list. Check on the appraisal. |
| Schedule the closing and walkthrough | 7 days before closing | Lock the closing time with title, and ask the listing agent about keys. |
| Closing Disclosure | 3 business days before closing | The lender delivers it; your buyers acknowledge it. |
| Final inspection period | Per the contract | Walk the home one more time to confirm repairs and condition. |
| Closing day | Per the contract | Keys, photos, and a thank-you. |
Three habits that prevent most surprises
- Count from the right day. Day one is the day after binding, and deadlines on a weekend or federal holiday roll to the next business day. The calculator shows every move.
- Put every date where you’ll see it. A calendar you check every morning beats a list you have to remember to open. Hopstone Home’s live calendar feed adds every contract to your own calendar and keeps it current.
- Tell everyone the same dates. Send the timeline to the listing agent and the lender on day one, and ask them to reply if their dates differ.
Keep your buyers calm
Buyers don’t need your reminders, but they love a countdown. Show them what’s next, who’s doing it, and how many days until closing, and you’ll field far fewer “are we on track?” texts.
A planning guide, not legal advice. Confirm every date against the signed contract and any amendments.