The parties should resolve these details when they first sign the sales contract. A final walk-through can end in havoc if a buyer wrongly assumes that the dining room chandelier comes with the house. Other issues that should be agreed upon in advance include accurate information on real estate taxes, survey fees, possession date and homeowner's insurance. Satisfy loan conditions before closing. Be sure to satisfy any conditions attached to a loan approval before the closing.
Banks sometimes issue a preliminary approval pending the various credit, debt and resource checks.
An unresolved late payment on a credit report could forestall the loan approval and delay the closing. Know your fees. Know what fees are expected at the closing, and in what form they must be presented. Typically, title companies require certified or cashier's checks, rather than personal checks, for any additional costs that may be due at the closing. An unprepared buyer might have to run to the bank to cash or certify a personal check, midclosing.