So It’s the Day Before the Closing of Your New Home – What Buyers Need to Do
By Allison Cobb, The Cobb Group | Brokered by eXp Luxury Realty
If you’re buying a home in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, or Moss Creek, the day before your closing can feel like the longest 24 hours of your life. You’re excited, maybe a little nervous, and wondering if you’ve thought of everything. After all, buying a home isn’t just about signing papers—it’s about making sure all the final details are handled so you can step confidently into your new front door.
As the best Realtor in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, I’ve helped countless buyers through this moment. Here’s your buyer’s checklist for the day before closing—so you can feel prepared, calm, and ready to celebrate.
1. Do Your Final Walk-Through
Buyers, this is your last chance to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed upon with the seller. Schedule a walk-through with your Realtor to confirm that:
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Repairs are completed (if negotiated)
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Nothing has changed since you went under contract
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Items the seller agreed to leave are still there
2. Plan for Keys, Remotes, and Codes
As a buyer, you’ll want to know exactly how you’re getting into your new Bluffton or Hilton Head Island home once it funds. Make sure there’s a plan for exchanging:
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House keys
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Garage door remotes
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Door codes and garage keypad codes
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Security codes for alarms or smart home systems
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Gate passes (for gated communities like Moss Creek, Belfair, Hampton Hall, and more)
3. Handle Any Side Agreements Ahead of Time
If you’ve agreed to buy furniture or extras from the seller, remember this isn’t part of your official closing paperwork. Use Venmo, Zelle, or another secure method to wrap it up before closing day.
4. Review Your Closing Disclosure (CD)
Your Closing Disclosure outlines the full breakdown of your purchase. Confirm:
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Purchase price and loan amount are correct
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Closing costs match your agreement
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Credits and final numbers make sense
5. Confirm Details with Your Attorney
In South Carolina, closings are handled by attorneys—not title companies. Make sure you:
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Have your attorney’s address and appointment time
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Wire your funds early so there’s no delay
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Bring your driver’s license (all signers must be present with ID)
Keys are only released once the property has funded—signing isn’t the finish line.
6. Ask for Invoices on Repairs
If inspection repairs were negotiated, request invoices from the Listing side. This provides proof of completion and creates a clear paper trail for your records.
7. Get Utilities in Your Name
Call utility providers before closing to transfer accounts into your name. If moving into a gated community, schedule your appointment for gate passes, fobs, and member numbers.
8. Expect a Quick Closing (and Know How It Works Here)
In Beaufort County closings, you’ll meet with your attorney, while the seller meets separately with theirs. There isn’t a “big table” with everyone together, and Realtors often don’t attend—something that surprises many out-of-state buyers.
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Your Realtor carries you to the finish line, but your attorney handles the final details.
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In the last 24 hours, your attorney and lender may be the most up-to-date as loan packages and funding are finalized.
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Remember: conditional loan approval is not final approval. Don’t make major purchases (like a car) before closing—it can alter your debt-to-income ratio and derail your loan.
And one last note: the buyer’s attorney prepares the settlement statement (CD). If there’s a delay, it’s usually tied to lender paperwork still being finalized. Closing truly “takes a village”—your Realtor, attorney, lender, and the seller’s team all working together. Have grace. Have patience. Every team member is working hard to make your closing successful.
The Buyer’s Bottom Line
The day before closing should feel exciting, not stressful. Review your walk-through, verify the CD, confirm repairs with invoices, wire your funds, and stay in touch with your Realtor and attorney. Buying a home in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island is a big step—but with the right Realtor, it’s also one of life’s most rewarding milestones.
Buying in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island?
At The Cobb Group, brokered by eXp Luxury Realty, we help buyers across Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Moss Creek move into their dream homes with confidence. From the first showing to the last signature, we’re by your side to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Our office is conveniently located in Moss Creek Village on Hilton Head Island—just over the bridge from Bluffton.
Looking for the best Realtor in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island? Call Allison Cobb today at 843-338-7256 or visit thecobbgroup.com.
Buyer FAQs
Q: Do I have to do a final walk-through?
Yes. This is your final opportunity to confirm the home is in the condition agreed upon.
Q: When do I get my keys?
Keys (and codes!) are released after your attorney confirms funding—not just after you sign.
Q: Do I need to bring anything to closing?
Yes. Bring your driver’s license (all buyers signing must be present) and make sure your wired funds have arrived.
Q: Why do I need repair invoices?
Invoices give you proof that negotiated repairs were completed properly, protecting you if issues come up later.
Q: Why can’t I make big purchases before closing?
Because even small changes to your debt-to-income ratio can cause your loan approval to fall apart in the final hours. Wait until after closing to finance a car or make major credit purchases.
Q: Why are closing documents sometimes delayed?
Because the buyer’s attorney prepares the final settlement statement (CD). If there’s a delay, it’s often tied to lender documents or numbers being finalized.
Strategic Moves. Lasting Relationships. That’s The Cobb Group promise to every buyer.
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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