PRE-CLOSING BUYER’S HOME CHECKLIST YO U R U LT IM AT E GU I D E TO A S M OOTH M OV E - I N
Bill Papaioannou, a Broker with RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc. has consistently been one of the top Hamilton real estate agents over the past thirty-seven years. Bill has a keen business sense and passion for real estate and has established himself as a well respected and trusted real estate Broker for Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Burlington and surrounding communities. Beginning his real estate career in 1989 with Royal Le Page, Bill has consistently been awarded several sales achievements and distinctions. In his first three years with Royal LePage he was awarded the Sales Achievement and Master Sales Award. Since joining RE/MAX in 1993 he has received almost every major award and distinction available including the Executive Club, President’s Club, 100% Club, Platinum Club, Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement award in 2011. In 2015 & 2017, 2021 & 2022 Bill has been honoured with one of the most distinguished and exclusive RE/MAX Awards, The Chairman Club. This award recognizes the top 0.72% of 119,000 RE/MAX agents world wide, one of the highest levels of sales achievement within RE/MAX. Only 861 individual agents were recognized with this prestigious award in 2017 within the RE/MAX organization Worldwide. Bill has currently been recognized as the number one local Top Rated & Ranked Agent at Rate & Rank My Agent for all of the Hamilton Real Estate Board. He was also recognized among the top 50 small teams for RE/MAX agents across Canada in the first quarter of 2022. To ensure that client expectations are always surpassed, Bill has secured an exceptional team of professionals who shares his uncompromising professionalism and integrity. His team of professionals include a dedicated, personable buyer’s agent and assistant, interior designer, professional stager and a internationally acclaimed photographer. Working together under Bill’s direction and guidance they have surpassed many of their clients expectations, achieving well above their asking price and selling in record time. As a skilled negotiator with an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction you can be rest assured that Bill’s team will always strive to have your best interests in mind whether you’re buying or selling the single, most important investment in your life.
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life — especially in Ontario, where vibrant communities, diverse neighbourhoods, and a dynamic real estate market make homeownership a dream come true for many. But as exciting as it is to sign the purchase agreement and move toward closing day, the period just before closing is critical. To ensure everything goes smoothly and you move into your new home with confidence, a thorough pre-closing checklist is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk Ontario homebuyers through the key steps to take in the final days before ownership officially transfers.
WHAT IS A PRE-CLOSING HOME INSPECTION (AKA “HOME CHECK”)? Often referred to as a pre-closing walkthrough, this is your final opportunity to inspect the property before you take possession. It typically occurs 24 to 48 hours before closing and gives you the chance to verify that: • • • •
The home is in the condition agreed upon in the purchase agreement. All included appliances and fixtures are present. Any agreed-upon repairs have been completed. There is no unexpected damage.
This walkthrough is not a detailed re-inspection but rather a final verification. Think of it as your last line of defense to protect your investment.
ONTARIO-SPECIFIC TIPS FOR YOUR PRE-CLOSING CHECKLIST Ontario’s real estate rules and climate add unique considerations. Here’s what you should focus on before closing:
1. CONFIRM THE DATE AND TIME • • •
Schedule the walkthrough with your real estate agent. The seller must provide access during a reasonable window (usually during business hours). You have the right to attend — you’re not obligated to go through your agent alone.
TIP: Arrive with a notepad, your inspection report, and a fully charged phone for photos.
2. VERIFY ALL APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES ARE PRESENT Check that everything included in the sale — per your Agreement of Purchase and Sale — is still in place. Common inclusions in Ontario homes: • • • • •
Refrigerator, stove, dishwasher Washer/dryer (if included) Light fixtures, window coverings Garage door openers Central vacuum system (if applicable)
WATCH OUT: Sellers sometimes remove items mistakenly thinking they’re personal property. Double-check your contract.
3. TEST MAJOR SYSTEMS (IF POSSIBLE) While you’re not expected to conduct a full home inspection, basic functional checks are wise: • • • •
Turn on lights, faucets, and major appliances. Test HVAC (heating, ventilation, and AC) — especially vital in Ontario winters. Flush toilets and check for leaks. Open and close windows and doors.
ONTARIO NOTE: If it’s winter, ensure the heat is on and functioning. Frozen pipes or lack of heat could signal issues.
A pre-closing checklist is your last line of defense. It helps you verify the home’s condition, confirm everything agreed upon is in place, and move in with confidence.
4. INSPECT FOR DAMAGE OR NEGLECT Walk through each room and look for: • • • •
New holes in walls or flooring. Water stains or signs of leaks. Broken tiles, cracked windows, or damaged cabinetry. Excessive clutter or debris left behind.
NOTE: If you notice significant damage, notify your real estate agent and lawyer immediately. Depending on your contract, you may be able to delay closing or request compensation.
5. CONFIRM REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED If the seller agreed to make repairs (e.g., a fix to the basement wall or roof), verify the work has been done properly. TIP: Take photos for your records. If repairs were promised but not completed, you’ll need evidence to follow up legally.
6. CHECK FOR CLEANLINESS While sellers aren’t required to professionally clean in Ontario, the home should be broom-swept and free of large debris or garbage. This includes: • • •
Garbage removal from the house and yard. Emptying smoke detectors. Removing personal belongings and nails/fixings from walls (unless agreed otherwise).
WINTER WORRY: If moving in during winter, check that driveways and sidewalks have been cleared and salted (especially in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, or Hamilton)
7. BRING YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT While optional, having your agent present ensures an extra set of eyes and professional guidance. They can help interpret contract terms and flag issues you might miss.
IF PROBLEMS ARISE: Your agent can also liaise with the seller’s agent immediately.
8. BRING YOUR LAWYER UP TO SPEED Your real estate lawyer handles the legal transfer of ownership. If issues come up during the walkthrough: • •
Notify them immediately. They may need to delay releasing funds until issues are resolved.
IMPORTANT: Never accept possession without confirming your lawyer has registered the deed and funds are secure.
9. PREPARE FOR KEYS AND UTILITIES Before the walkthrough ends: • •
Confirm where you’ll pick up the keys (often through your agent or at the lawyer’s office). Ensure utilities are transferred to your name as of closing day, including: • • • • • •
Electricity (via your local distributor — e.g., Hydro - Alectra) Gas - Enbridge Water - City of Hamilton Water Internet and Cable - Cogeco / Rogers / Bell Transfer your driver’s licence, health card, notify pharmacy, credit card companies and other service provider’s to your new address. Hire a moving company, Get 3 quotes from local reputable movers and to book for delivery mid afternoon (ask lawyer first regarding best time).
IMPORTANT: Schedule utility transfers at least 48 hours in advance to avoid disruptions.
10. TRUST YOUR GUT If something feels off — whether it’s a strange smell, water pooling in the basement, or damaged flooring — don’t dismiss it. Speak up.
REMEMBER: You have the right to delay closing if serious issues are found and unresolved.
WHAT IS HOME INSPECTION & APPRAISAL? •
A HOME INSPECTION assesses the property for quality, safety, and overall condition. A qualified home inspector assesses the property’s heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical work, water, sewage, fire and safety issues. The home inspector also looks for insect, water, or fire damage. You can retract your offer if the home inspection reveals severe defects the seller did not disclose. The home inspection has to be paid for by the buyer and costs around $500.
•
AN APPRAISAL is an unbiased professional opinion of a home’s value order by your mortgage lender. A qualified appraiser does an in-person inspection and combines the findings with current market trends and the home details (size, condition, floor plan, amenities) to estimate the value of your home. The transaction can proceed if the appraisal comes in at the value or above the purchase. However, the transaction can be stopped if the appraisal comes below the purchase price.
After the seller accepts your offer, you must return to your lender to complete your financing. Here’s the documentation you usually need to provide to the lender: •
A signed offer
•
A legal description of the property and building specifications
•
A realtor.ca property listing (or photographs if no listing is available)
•
The most recent property tax assessment
•
An appraisal, home inspection report and land survey
•
Estimates for recent or planned renovations
•
Heating and utility costs
•
Condominium fees (if applicable)
FINAL THOUGHTS PEACE OF MIND BEFORE YOU MOVE IN The pre-closing walkthrough is more than a formality — it’s your opportunity to ensure the home you’re purchasing meets your expectations and agreements. In Ontario’s competitive real estate market, being thorough now can save you thousands in disputes or repairs later. By using this checklist and working closely with your real estate agent and lawyer, you’ll step into your new home with confidence, ready to enjoy Everything Ontario homeownership has to offer. PRO TIP: After the walkthrough, relax! You’ve done your due diligence. Now it’s time to celebrate — your new home is ready for you.
CLEAR TITLE Your lender may require Title Insurance to cover any loss caused by property ownership problems. A clear title establishes the legal property owner. A title check shows whether there are any outstanding financial responsibilities attached to the property. Only if the property has a clear title does the seller have the right to sell the property. Title companies check for claims or liens of any kind. The presence of liens invalidates or impairs the owner’s title to the property. Title issues can arise in situations of separation, divorce, or heirs not being adequately documented.
HOME WARRANTY & INSURANCE A home warranty and home insurance differ. • •
Homeowners’ insurance covers the loss of the home and its contents due to fire or certain other natural disasters. A home warranty covers the cost of maintaining household systems or appliances for a set period. Home warranty coverage can cost between $400 to $800 a year.
THE FINAL STEP: SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE Closing day is when you take legal possession of your new home. The final signing is usually at your lawyer or notary’s office. •
•
At this point, your lender will transfer the mortgage money to your lawyer or notary. You will provide the lawyer with the down payment (minus the deposit) and money to cover the closing costs (legal fees, land transfer fees, etc.), typically 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. After that, your lawyer or notary will pay the seller, register the home in your name and give you the deed and keys to your new home.
TESTIMONIALS Bill is incredibly grateful for the kind words and positive reviews from his clients. Each testimonial reflects his commitment to customer service excellence and his dedication to making every move as smooth and stress-free as possible. “My husband and I have been dealing with Bill Papaionnou for over 10+ years having bought & sold a few properties, so when it came time for my 90 year old mother to sell her condo in Hamilton, we didn’t hesitate to call the Best Agent we knew. Bill Papaionnou was the first and only person we wanted to deal with. His professionalism, attention to detail and knowledge of the market were invaluable to us when listing. His expertise helped us set reasonable and achievable expectations and he utilized his team and resources to get the job done with quick and more than acceptable results. Bill and his team had the property sold within a week’s time which was a great relief to my mother. It’s a tough market out there, and Bill keeps himself and team well informed and as such his clients feel they are in good hands. I won’t hesitate to call Bill again when we need him or to recommend him to anyone looking for a top rated agent with a team that know the market and will get the job done to your satisfaction. Thanks Bill & RE/MAX Escarpment Team!!” —Terri Cummings
“Our experience with Bill was nothing short of extraordinary. He consistently went above and beyond, demonstrating a level of dedication and professionalism rarely seen in the real estate industry. From our initial consultation to the final closing, Bill’s expertise, responsiveness, and genuine care made the entire process seamless and enjoyable. Bill’s deep understanding of the local market was evident from the start. He provided invaluable insights, helping us navigate the complexities of the home-buying process with confidence. His market knowledge allowed him to identify properties that perfectly matched our needs and preferences, even anticipating our requirements before we fully articulated them. Bill’s communication was impeccable. He was always readily available to answer our questions, address our concerns, and provide updates throughout the process. His prompt responses, even outside of regular business hours, demonstrated his commitment to ensuring our needs were met. This level of responsiveness was incredibly reassuring, especially during the stressful moments of negotiation and closing. Bill is not just a real estate agent; he’s a trusted advisor and a valuable partner in achieving our dream of homeownership. His exceptional skills, unwavering support, and genuine care made the entire experience positive and memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Bill to anyone seeking a real estate agent who will go above and beyond to help them find their dream home. He is a true professional and treats all his clients like his own family. Thank you again Bill for helping us find our dream home!” —Julia R
“I had a fantastic experience working with Bill and Greg. As top-rated REALTORS® in Hamilton, they helped me find tenants quickly and efficiently, and they took care of the entire process from start to finish, which made everything stress-free for me. Their professionalism and attention to detail really stood out. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone looking for the best agent in Hamilton, and I will gladly work with them again in the future..” —Summer Le
“From the moment I reached out to Bill & Greg, they were incredibly responsive and attentive to my needs. They took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for in a rental and were always available to answer any questions I had. What impressed me the most was their extensive knowledge of the Process & the Real Estate market. Their ability to negotiate on my behalf was incredible! I was able to secure an amazing apartment under a challenging time crunch. Throughout the entire process, Bill and his team went above and beyond to ensure that everything went smoothly. They were always one step ahead, providing me with updates and making sure all of the necessary paperwork was taken care of. I never felt overwhelmed, pressured or confused because they were always there to guide me and explain everything in detail. They genuinely cared about finding me the perfect rental and making sure I was completely satisfied with every aspect of the lease. I am beyond grateful for the exceptional service I received from Bill and his team. I highly recommend them to anyone in the Real Estate market. They truly go above and beyond for their clients and make the experience a positive and stress-free one. Thank you, Bill & Greg I couldn’t have done it without you!” —Derek Martin
“In an uncertain Real Estate market Bill Papaioannou of RE/MAX made buying and selling a home a breeze! Being new to the home buying experience, Bill was extremely helpful and responsive to all our questions. From start to finish, we were treated with respect and care. Even in this slowing market, with rising mortgage rates, Bill remained positive and confident. As an experienced and skilled negotiator he was able to secure a great purchase price on our dream home even though we were in competition with several other agents. Bill’s negotiation style is very impressive. For the sale of our own property, he was able to close the deal for a price higher than we anticipated. When it came to professionally staging my house and taking photos, Bill brought in only the best in the business, we couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. There is no doubt who we will be recommending and using in the future, and you should too. You definitely won’t regret it! Thank you Bill!” —Anthony Orlando
2025 REMAX vs. THE INDUSTRY ®
Choose the brand with outstanding agents, leading brand awareness and an unmatched global presence.
NATIONAL, FULL-SERVICE BROKERAGE BRANDS CANADIAN TOTAL TRANSACTION SIDES1
SIDES PER AGENT2
TOTAL BRAND AWARENESS3
COUNTRIES & TERRITORIES4
OFFICES IN CANADA4
OFFICES WORLDWIDE4
AGENTS IN CANADA4
AGENTS WORLDWIDE4
316,377
14.1
95.3%
110+
938
8,735
25,171
146,627
169,247
10.9
85.3%
1
650+
600
20,000+
20,000+
68,918
9.3
86.3%
79
400+
11,000
10,500+
130,200
54,935
9.9
9.1%
27
N/A
N/A
6,800+
85,000+
34,701
8.1
58.6%
1
200 +/-
200 +/-
6,000 +/-
6,000 +/-
29,119
9.5
21.3%
60
125 +/-
1,000+
4,600+
165,000
23,193
10.3
50.6%
45
177
2,900
2,900 +/-
96,300
17,385
3.4
26.0%
9
143 +/-
160+
12,350 +/-
N/A5
16,054
10.1
12.7%
2
N/A
N/A
2,400 +/-
26,000+
10,618
11.2
16.7%
2
45 +/-
550+
1,000 +/-
24,000 +/-
9,918
11.9
16.0%
35
55 +/-
1,000+
930 +/-
16,700+
N/A = Data not publicly available.
The greatness in you .
SM
This advertisement is not an offering. The information in this advertisement is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise; it is for informational purposes only. A franchise is offered in many jurisdictions only by delivery of a franchise disclosure document to you in compliance with applicable franchise sales laws. Further, if you are currently affiliated with another franchisor, this material is not intended to offer a REMAX franchise or to solicit a change in affiliation. RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998), LLC and RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, Inc., 639 Queen St. West, 6th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2B7. 1Canadian Total Transaction Sides for 2024 obtained from third party data and is +/- 2% in major markets. Includes residential transactions only, and does not include commercial, new homes, private, exclusive, pocket, rentals, farms, vacant land, and co-listings. Does not include Yukon and Nunavut due to low reported transactions. Data from Sault Ste Marie, ON is from January to August 2024 only. 2Sides per Agent data calculated by dividing Canadian Total Transaction Sides by number of agents who closed at least one transaction in 2024, not including co-listing or co-buying agents, as obtained from third-party data. 3MMR Strategy Group study of total awareness of real estate brands among buyers, sellers, and those planning to buy or sell. 4Office, agent, and countries and territories data collected March 2025, based on latest available statistics from various sources. Coldwell Banker and Century 21 data is either as reported by Anywhere Real Estate Corporation on SEC10-K, Annual Report for 2024 or from company websites, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) or other industry sources; data for all other competitors is from company websites, CREA and other industry sources. Actual transaction sides, office count, and agent count may differ. REMAX office, agent, and countries and territories is internal data as of 12/31/2024. 5Data not publicly available. ©2025 RE/MAX, LLC. Each office independently owned and operated. 25_311_CAN
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