Closing is the part of the home-buying process that looks calm on the outside and feels like a group project on the inside. One minute you’re picturing furniture layouts, and the next you’re staring at an email thread with your lender, attorney, and building management, all using the phrase “ASAP.”

Before you sign anything, wire anything, or schedule movers, you want clarity. Not vibes. Not “should be fine.” Clarity.

Here are the questions I recommend asking your agent before closing, especially in Queens, where co-ops, condos, and houses each come with their own rules.

Quick Answer: The 3 things you must confirm before closing

Ask your agent to confirm these in writing:

• Your final cash-to-close (and what it includes)

• Your closing timeline (what’s done, what’s pending, and who owns each task)

• Your walk-through plan (what you’re checking and what happens if something changes)

If you get those three right, closing becomes a lot less stressful.

1) “What’s my final cash-to-close, and what can still change?”

This is the big one. You want your agent to walk you through the numbers in plain English.

Ask:

• What is my estimated cash-to-close today?

• What items are included (down payment, lender fees, title, attorney, transfer taxes, prepaid taxes/insurance)?

• What can still shift before closing (tax adjustments, credits, condo common charges, fuel escrow, co-op maintenance timing)?

• When will I get the final closing disclosure or settlement statement?

• What’s the safest buffer I should keep in my account?

Why it matters: surprises at closing usually come from assumptions, not math.

2) “What are the exact closing steps from today to keys?”

I like a clear roadmap. Ask your agent to break it down like this:

• What is already completed?

• What is pending?

• Who is responsible for each item (lender, attorney, seller, managing agent, title)?

• What are the deadlines?

Bonus question: “What’s the #1 thing that usually delays closings like this, and are we exposed to it?”

That one saves time.

3) “Do we have any red flags left—title, permits, financing, building approval?”

Closings don’t fall apart because of one big dramatic reason. It’s usually a small loose end that nobody chased down early enough.

Ask:

• Is the title clear? Any liens, open permits, or issues we’re still waiting on?

• If it’s a house: are there open DOB permits or violations?

• If it’s a condo: are there board packages, rights of first refusal, or condo waiver timelines?

• If it’s a co-op: do we have board approval and the final conditions in writing?

• If financing: is the loan fully clear-to-close or still conditional?
  

4) “When is the final walk-through, and what exactly are we checking?”

The walk-through isn’t just ceremonial. It’s your chance to confirm the home matches what you agreed to buy.

Ask your agent:

• When are we scheduling the walk-through (usually 24–48 hours before closing)?

• What’s the checklist for this property?

• Are repairs completed the way the contract requires?

• Are appliances and fixtures still there?

• Is the home empty (if it’s supposed to be) and broom-clean?

• Are there any new leaks, damage, or missing items?
  

If something is wrong, ask, “What’s the plan—credit, escrow, or delay?”
You want options ready before emotions get involved.

5) “What documents should I review before I sign?”

Your attorney will handle legal review, but your agent should help you understand what’s normal versus unusual.

Ask:

• What are the key documents I’ll be signing at closing?

• If co-op/condo: Do I have the house rules, move-in rules, and alteration agreement (if applicable)?

• If a house: Do I have copies of the survey, permits, and any warranties that transfer?

• Is there anything in the building documents that buyers usually overlook (subletting rules, renovation hours, pet rules)?
  

6) “What do I need to do with utilities, keys, and move-in rules?”

This is where closings get messy in NYC buildings.

Ask:

• When do I transfer electric, gas, internet, and (if needed) water?

• How do I get keys on closing day—who physically hands them over?

• If co-op/condo: what’s the move-in process (elevator reservation, insurance certificate, refundable deposit)?

• Are there restricted move-in days or hours?

Pro tip: movers get booked fast. Confirm your building’s move-in rules before you lock a truck.

7) “What should I expect after closing?”

Closing isn’t the finish line. It’s the handoff.

Ask:

• When will I receive the final recorded deed (if applicable)?

• When does my first mortgage payment start?

• Who do I contact for building questions (super, management, board office)?

• Are there common “first-week” issues you see, and how do I handle them?
  

Co-op buyers: 5 extra questions you should always ask

Co-ops are their own world. If you’re buying a co-op in Queens, ask:

• Are there any post-closing requirements from the board?

• What are the sublet rules and timelines?

• What is the building’s flip tax, and who pays it?

• What are the renovation rules, and do I need board approval first?

• Are there any upcoming assessments or maintenance increases I should plan for?

This is where “small details” become real money.

FAQs 

When should I start asking these questions?
Ideally once you have an accepted offer and especially after the contract is signed. The closer you get to closing, the more valuable clarity becomes.

What’s the biggest reason closings get delayed in NYC?
Common causes include financing conditions, building approvals (especially co-ops), missing paperwork, and title issues.

Do I need a walk-through for a co-op?
Yes. Even though co-ops are shares in a corporation, you’re still taking possession of a home. Confirm condition, appliances, and any agreed repairs.

Should I schedule movers before I have a closing date?
You can research and get quotes, but don’t lock anything non-refundable until your closing date is confirmed—and your building’s move-in rules are clear.

This is based on common NYC closing practices and the typical co-op/condo/house process in Queens. For legal advice, always rely on your attorney and your final contract documents.

About Me (Queens Real Estate Broker)

I’m Vasilis Kokoris, a Queens real estate broker, and I help buyers and sellers navigate co-ops, condos, single-family homes, multi-family properties, and commercial buildings. I serve Jackson Heights, Astoria, Astoria Heights, Sunnyside, Woodside, East Elmhurst, and Long Island City, and I bring 25+ years of hands-on Queens real estate experience to every deal.

I’m known for being a strategic negotiator and financing strategist—meaning I don’t just help you find (or sell) a property. I help you structure a smart offer, understand building requirements (especially with co-ops), and avoid surprises during underwriting and closing. When I list a home, I build a custom marketing plan for that specific property, powered by cutting-edge real estate technology and hyper-local neighborhood knowledge.

More than 70% of my business comes from client referrals, and I’m backed by 120+ five-star Google reviews—which I take seriously, because trust and results are everything in this business.

Work with me:
Phone: 347-354-9101
Email: [email protected]