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Contract Checklist

Check what you verified, not what you remember.

This checklist turns the verification steps from 01–06 into a document you can follow during a real transaction. ESSENTIAL covers the core checks that can change whether the deal should proceed, while DETAIL adds transaction-specific variables that require closer review.

WHY CHECKLIST

Use the checklist to prevent omissions.

People, documents, money, and deadlines move at the same time during a transaction. Even previously verified items can be missed, and memory can be confused with actual evidence. This checklist is therefore not a summary of knowledge; it is a control tool that keeps required verification actions visible.

Reviewing core items one by one with a contract checklist
01

Prevent omissions

Keep required checks in a visible sequence instead of relying on memory.

02

Control progression

Do not move directly to signing, payment, or closing while an essential item remains unverified.

03

Recheck

Facts that were correct at signing can change before closing, so key items must be checked again.

CHECK LEVEL

Essential checks cover the risks that can change the deal.

ESSENTIAL · Core Checks

Should this transaction continue?

ESSENTIAL is not a list of merely common items. It focuses on issues that can undermine the transaction itself, directly affect payment, release of rights, title transfer or handover, or create losses that are difficult to recover. It is the minimum set of checks needed to decide whether the transaction should continue.

  • Items where incorrect rights/ownership can undermine the transaction itself
  • Items that directly affect actual payment amounts or major financial loss
  • Items directly connected to release of rights, title transfer, and handover
  • Items that are difficult to recover from or may require stopping closing
  • Core items that recur across many transaction types
  • Important matters that can be verified through official records or procedures
DETAIL · Detailed Checks

Detailed checks cover transaction-specific uncertainty.

DETAIL is the expanded version and includes all 18 ESSENTIAL checks. Because the core list alone cannot cover every transaction-specific issue—such as co-ownership, agency, tenants, security rights, financing, facilities, vacancy, record-to-site mismatches, or post-signing changes—it adds detailed cross-checks across records, the site, the contract, leases, facilities, and settlement data.

  • Expand detailed verification while including all 18 ESSENTIAL checks
  • Cover transaction-specific variables such as co-ownership, agency, tenants, security rights, and financing
  • Cross-check site condition, actual use, facilities, and occupancy beyond official records
  • Cover areas where ownership and use may differ, such as parking, rooftops, storage, and fixtures
  • Recheck new rights, repairs, vacancy, and funding changes between signing and closing
  • Cover less frequent issues that can create major disputes or extra costs when they occur
HOW TO USE

Use ESSENTIAL and DETAIL together based on the situation.

ESSENTIAL

Quick decision

Use ESSENTIAL when you need a fast screen at the start of a deal, a core check before signing, or a quick recheck just before closing.

DETAIL

Detailed review

Use DETAIL when preparing an actual contract or when the transaction has many variables such as tenants, co-owners, agents, security rights, facilities, or financing.

ESSENTIAL → DETAIL

Recommended

Recommended: screen with ESSENTIAL first, then use DETAIL to investigate incomplete or unclear items. If you want a full review from the start, you may begin directly with DETAIL.

Recommended sequence

  1. 01Start review

    Use ESSENTIAL to check the 18 core items that can change whether the deal should proceed.

  2. 02If an item is incomplete or unclear

    Use the matching WHO / WHAT / MONEY / TERMS / RECHECK / CLOSE section in DETAIL for deeper verification.

  3. 03Before drafting/signing

    Recheck MONEY and TERMS in DETAIL and fix payment, release, repair, vacancy, and facility agreements in writing.

  4. 04After signing and before closing

    Use RECHECK to compare the signing baseline with the current condition.

  5. 05On closing day

    Review the ESSENTIAL core items together with CLOSE in DETAIL to make one final check of money, rights, documents, and handover.

The two documents are not competing lists; they are a compact version and an expanded version. ESSENTIAL is for fast core decisions, while DETAIL includes all 18 ESSENTIAL checks for a precise review. Do not mark an unverified item as complete.
Using the ESSENTIAL and DETAIL contract checklists together
DOCUMENT 01 · ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST

Contract Essential Checklist

18 core checks for deciding whether the transaction should proceed.

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ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST · Core Checks

Core checks before proceeding with the transaction

Use this version for a fast decision and a final core recheck before closing.

  1. 01

    Does the owner in official records match the actual contracting party?

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → verify identity and authority documents → compare authority to sign and receive funds → hold payment until verified

  2. 02

    If there is co-ownership or an agent, has all required authority been verified?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnverified → confirm ownership shares and participation → compare scope of authority → hold signing until authority is complete

  3. 03

    Is the account holder and the basis for receiving funds verified?

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → confirm the relationship between account holder and owner → obtain the basis for third-party receipt → hold transfer until verified

  4. 04

    Is the scope of the land, building, and accessory areas clear?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnclear → compare official records, plans, and site → list included/excluded areas → reflect in contract or attachment

  5. 05

    Does actual use match the scope shown in official records?

    ACTION IF NOT METDifference → record the location → verify ownership/use basis → assess transaction impact → hold final scope determination

  6. 06

    Are included facilities and fixtures separated from excluded items?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnclear → photograph facilities → classify owned/rented/removal items → fix included/excluded list in an attachment

  7. 07

    Do current leases and assumed deposits match the actual records?

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → compare leases, deposits, and occupancy → define assumption responsibility → recalculate closing amount

  8. 08

    Did you recheck the latest rights status immediately before closing?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot checked → review latest ownership/rights record → identify new rights → confirm release conditions → hold closing payment until resolved

  9. 09

    Are the rights to be released and the actual release preparations confirmed?

    ACTION IF NOT METUncertain → confirm right, amount, documents, and responsible party → connect to payment sequence → reschedule if not ready

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ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST · Core Checks

Contract Essential Checklist · Continued

  1. 10

    Is the actual closing transfer amount finalized after all assumptions and adjustments?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot final → reflect prior payments, assumed amounts, and adjustments → compare both calculations → transfer only after they match

  2. 11

    Do financing conditions and the closing schedule actually align?

    ACTION IF NOT METUncertain → confirm financing conditions, documents, and execution time → check funding sequence → adjust closing date if needed

  3. 12

    Are key verbal agreements reflected in the contract, special conditions, or attachments?

    ACTION IF NOT METMissing → list verbal agreements → document responsibility, deadline, verification, and non-performance response → compare before signing

  4. 13

    Are repairs, vacancy, and document-delivery conditions due before closing complete?

    ACTION IF NOT METIncomplete → compare contract conditions with site/documents → identify remaining items → adjust payment or schedule if needed

  5. 14

    Have tenancy, facilities, and rights remained unchanged since signing?

    ACTION IF NOT METChanged → compare signing-date data with current state → assess responsibility and financial impact → revise conditions/recalculate closing amount

  6. 15

    Are the documents needed for title transfer ready before closing?

    ACTION IF NOT METIncomplete → compare required list with originals → confirm time to obtain missing items → adjust payment sequence until ready

  7. 16

    Is the execution order for closing payment, rights release, and registration clear?

    ACTION IF NOT METUndefined → fix the order of release, transfer, document delivery, and registration → stop if any stage is not ready

  8. 17

    Are keys, access methods, tenancy, facility, and management materials ready for handover?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot ready → list keys, lease, facility, and management materials → verify physical handover → arrange missing items separately

  9. 18

    Are post-closing reporting, registration, and acquisition-related tasks scheduled?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot organized → confirm deadlines and responsible parties → retain completion evidence → recheck local statutory deadlines

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DOCUMENT 02 · DETAIL CHECKLIST

DETAIL already includes all 18 ESSENTIAL checks.

Use ESSENTIAL for a fast decision and DETAIL for a precise transaction review. You may start directly with DETAIL.

DOCUMENT 02 · DETAIL CHECKLIST

Detailed Contract Checklist

Includes all 18 ESSENTIAL checks plus detailed verification for WHO → WHAT → MONEY → TERMS → RECHECK → CLOSE.

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · WHO

Detailed Contract Checklist

Review core risks and transaction-specific variables in one document.

  1. 01

    Does the owner in official records match the actual contracting party?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → verify identity and authority documents → compare authority to sign and receive funds → hold payment until verified

  2. 02

    If there is co-ownership or an agent, has all required authority been verified?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METUnverified → confirm ownership shares and participation → compare scope of authority → hold signing until authority is complete

  3. 03

    Is the account holder and the basis for receiving funds verified?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → confirm the relationship between account holder and owner → obtain the basis for third-party receipt → hold transfer until verified

  4. 04

    Does the owner's name and identifying information match the latest official ownership record?

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → compare the latest ownership record with identity documents → identify the reason for the change → reconfirm the contracting party

  5. 05

    Does the agent have authority not only to sign but also to negotiate or change terms?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnclear → confirm signing and term-change authority in the authorization → obtain principal confirmation for matters outside the scope

  6. 06

    Has the agent also been authorized to receive transaction funds?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnverified → confirm authority to receive funds → prefer the owner's account → use third-party receipt only with a verified basis

  7. 07

    Are the ownership shares and participation method of all co-owners clear?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot organized → confirm each owner's share, signer, and agent → state the transferred interests clearly in the contract

  8. 08

    If a company owns the property, has the signer's authority to represent the company been verified?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnverified → review corporate records, representative authority, and required approvals → do not rely only on a staff member's explanation

  9. 09

    Does the seller named in the contract match the person or entity actually signing it?

    ACTION IF NOT METDifferent → correct the contracting-party description → attach evidence of signing authority → stop using the inconsistent version

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · WHO / WHAT

Detailed Contract Checklist · Continued

  1. 10

    Are the other party's explanations consistent with the documents provided?

    ACTION IF NOT METConflict → record the inconsistency → recheck original evidence → pause term negotiation and payment until resolved

  2. 11

    Have you separated the broker/professional's review from your own direct verification?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot separated → directly review original authority, account, ownership, and contract information → do not substitute another person's review for your own

  3. 12

    Is the scope of the land, building, and accessory areas clear?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METUnclear → compare official records, plans, and site → list included/excluded areas → reflect in contract or attachment

  4. 13

    Does actual use match the scope shown in official records?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METDifference → record the location → verify ownership/use basis → assess transaction impact → hold final scope determination

  5. 14

    Are included facilities and fixtures separated from excluded items?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METUnclear → photograph facilities → classify owned/rented/removal items → fix included/excluded list in an attachment

  6. 15

    Are all land parcels included in the sale listed in the contract?

    ACTION IF NOT METPossible omission → compare parcel records with the site → confirm whether any parcel is excluded → add all included parcels to the contract

  7. 16

    Have access roads and parking areas been distinguished between ownership and mere usage rights?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnclear → confirm ownership, rights, and basis of use → if outside the sale scope, verify the basis for continued use

  8. 17

    Are common and exclusive-use areas such as rooftops, storage, and mechanical rooms clearly distinguished?

    ACTION IF NOT METAmbiguous → compare plans, management records, and site → record ownership separately from use → do not treat exclusive use as ownership

  9. 18

    Do additions, alterations, or changes of use match official records and the actual site?

    ACTION IF NOT METDifference → record location and current use → review relevant administrative records → reflect the impact on use, handover, and price

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · WHAT / MONEY

Detailed Contract Checklist · Continued

  1. 19

    Is ownership of fixed facilities separated from movable fixtures and equipment?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot separated → verify ownership evidence, rental status, and tenant-installed items → create included/excluded/removal list

  2. 20

    Does the tenant's actual occupied space match the leased unit and area in the documents?

    ACTION IF NOT METDifferent → compare lease, actual occupancy, and plans → reconfirm actual occupancy, deposit, and rent

  3. 21

    Have vacant areas also been checked for access, facilities, and defects?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot checked → revisit all spaces → inspect access, equipment, leaks, and basic condition → record photos and handover list

  4. 22

    Are included, excluded, assumed, and removal items separated in the final list?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot separated → reclassify into included/excluded/assumed/removal → link to contract/attachment → reverify at handover

  5. 23

    Do current leases and assumed deposits match the actual records?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → compare leases, deposits, and occupancy → define assumption responsibility → recalculate closing amount

  6. 24

    Are the rights to be released and the actual release preparations confirmed?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METUncertain → confirm right, amount, documents, and responsible party → connect to payment sequence → reschedule if not ready

  7. 25

    Is the actual closing transfer amount finalized after all assumptions and adjustments?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METNot final → reflect prior payments, assumed amounts, and adjustments → compare both calculations → transfer only after they match

  8. 26

    Do financing conditions and the closing schedule actually align?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METUncertain → confirm financing conditions, documents, and execution time → check funding sequence → adjust closing date if needed

  9. 27

    Do the deposit, interim payment, and closing payment amounts and dates reconcile?

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → recalculate against total purchase price → align figures in contract and payment plan → transfer only after confirmation

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · MONEY / TERMS

Detailed Contract Checklist · Continued

  1. 28

    Does the amount of assumed tenant deposits match the lease records?

    ACTION IF NOT METDifferent → compare deposit ledger and leases → recalculate total assumed deposits → recalculate closing amount

  2. 29

    Have you confirmed the actual payoff amount needed to release the security right?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot checked → confirm the actual payoff figure for the release date → do not estimate from a maximum secured amount → rebuild funding/payment flow

  3. 30

    Is the prorated adjustment date set for rent, service charges, utilities, and similar items?

    ACTION IF NOT METUndefined → set reference date, calculator, and evidence for each item → reconcile closing worksheet → finalize amount

  4. 31

    Have acquisition, registration, brokerage, professional, and other transaction costs been calculated separately from the purchase price?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot calculated → separate purchase price from ancillary costs → identify funding shortfall → adjust financing plan if needed

  5. 32

    Have financing conditions been verified against the lender's actual requirements and documents?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot checked → confirm lender conditions, required documents, and execution timing → judge based on real funding readiness

  6. 33

    Is there a clear reason and documented basis for every payment to a third party?

    ACTION IF NOT METNo basis → verify recipient, amount, and underlying obligation → stop third-party transfer without written support

  7. 34

    Did you prepare a final reconciliation worksheet on closing day?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot prepared → update assumed amounts, release/payoff figures, and adjustments → compare with the other party's figures → reconfirm final transfer amount

  8. 35

    Are key verbal agreements reflected in the contract, special conditions, or attachments?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METMissing → list verbal agreements → document responsibility, deadline, verification, and non-performance response → compare before signing

  9. 36

    Are repairs, vacancy, and document-delivery conditions due before closing complete?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METIncomplete → compare contract conditions with site/documents → identify remaining items → adjust payment or schedule if needed

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · TERMS / RECHECK

Detailed Contract Checklist · Continued

  1. 37

    Does the property description in the contract match the actual handover scope?

    ACTION IF NOT METMismatch → revise property/accessory/facility list → link attachment references → ensure both parties use the same version

  2. 38

    Are the responsible party, deadline, completion state, and verification method for releasing rights clear?

    ACTION IF NOT METVague → specify responsibility, deadline, completion state, verification, and non-performance response → link to closing conditions

  3. 39

    Are repair or defect-remedy promises written with a specific completion standard?

    ACTION IF NOT METVague → specify location, work, deadline, and completion standard → add evidence such as photos and response for incomplete work

  4. 40

    Are the target and completion timing for vacant-possession or move-out conditions clear?

    ACTION IF NOT METUnclear → specify occupants, items, removal scope, and deadline → link site verification to closing payment

  5. 41

    Are the scope of lease assumption and deposit responsibility connected to the contract?

    ACTION IF NOT METMissing → attach assumed leases, deposits, and reference date → use the same figures in the contract and closing calculation

  6. 42

    Is the included facility/fixture list linked to photos or an attachment?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot linked → prepare facility list, photo references, and ownership classification → attach to contract → use the same record at handover

  7. 43

    Are all amendments, deletions, and additions identical in both parties' copies?

    ACTION IF NOT METDifference → compare copies immediately → correct omissions and reconfirm → eliminate inconsistent versions

  8. 44

    Have risks that cannot be solved by a contract clause been separated out?

    ACTION IF NOT METMaterial risk → do not hide it behind a clause → verify cause, authority, and ownership → seek professional review and reconsider if needed

  9. 45

    Did you recheck the latest rights status immediately before closing?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METNot checked → review latest ownership/rights record → identify new rights → confirm release conditions → hold closing payment until resolved

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · RECHECK

Detailed Contract Checklist · Continued

  1. 46

    Have tenancy, facilities, and rights remained unchanged since signing?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METChanged → compare signing-date data with current state → assess responsibility and financial impact → revise conditions/recalculate closing amount

  2. 47

    Did you retain the ownership/rights record checked at signing as a baseline?

    ACTION IF NOT METMissing → obtain signing-date reference and current record → mark changes → retain them in a comparable form

  3. 48

    Are there any new security rights, attachments, injunctions, or other rights changes?

    ACTION IF NOT METFound → confirm date, holder, amount, and release method → assess closing impact → hold payment until resolved

  4. 49

    Are tenants, deposits, rent, and occupancy unchanged from the signing date?

    ACTION IF NOT METChanged → obtain new lease/termination/deposit records → recalculate assumed amount, income, and handover conditions

  5. 50

    Are contractual obligations such as repairs, vacancy, or document delivery progressing on time?

    ACTION IF NOT METDelayed → list incomplete items and evidence → confirm cure deadline → decide whether payment or schedule must change

  6. 51

    Is there any new damage, removal, or change in facility condition?

    ACTION IF NOT METChanged → compare current site with signing-date photos → confirm responsibility and repair scope → reflect in handover/adjustment

  7. 52

    Have financing conditions or the funding plan remained unchanged?

    ACTION IF NOT METChanged → confirm latest lender requirements → recalculate funding shortfall → adjust closing schedule/payment sequence

  8. 53

    Did you recalculate closing and adjustments using the latest data?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot done → update deposits, rent, service charges, and release/payoff amounts → reconfirm final amount

  9. 54

    Have changes been classified as INFO, CONDITION, or STOP?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot classified → separate information, condition-fix, and stop items → assign owner, deadline, and closing impact → do not proceed with STOP items unresolved

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · CLOSE

Detailed Contract Checklist · Continued

  1. 55

    Are the documents needed for title transfer ready before closing?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METIncomplete → compare required list with originals → confirm time to obtain missing items → adjust payment sequence until ready

  2. 56

    Is the execution order for closing payment, rights release, and registration clear?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METUndefined → fix the order of release, transfer, document delivery, and registration → stop if any stage is not ready

  3. 57

    Are keys, access methods, tenancy, facility, and management materials ready for handover?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METNot ready → list keys, lease, facility, and management materials → verify physical handover → arrange missing items separately

  4. 58

    Are post-closing reporting, registration, and acquisition-related tasks scheduled?

    ESSENTIAL

    ACTION IF NOT METNot organized → confirm deadlines and responsible parties → retain completion evidence → recheck local statutory deadlines

  5. 59

    Did you make one final check of the latest rights status immediately before the closing transfer?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot checked → review the latest rights record before transfer → compare changes and release items → proceed only if clear

  6. 60

    Are the responsible person, documents, and amount needed for rights release ready at closing?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot ready → immediately confirm responsible party, documents, and amount → hold closing transfer until execution is confirmed

  7. 61

    Are all original documents required for title transfer ready?

    ACTION IF NOT METMissing → compare physical documents with required list → obtain missing items → do not treat closing as complete if filing cannot proceed

  8. 62

    Did you read back and reconfirm the account and amount immediately before the closing transfer?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot checked → compare contract, final reconciliation, and account basis → reconfirm amount, bank, and account holder before transfer

  9. 63

    Are payment, rights resolution, document delivery, and registration linked in one execution sequence?

    ACTION IF NOT METNot linked → define completion signal for each step → move to next step only after confirmation → do not treat a planned step as completed

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DETAIL CHECKLIST · CLOSE

Detailed Contract Checklist · Continued

  1. 64

    Have keys, access codes, parking access, and facility-control information actually been handed over?

    ACTION IF NOT METMissing → test and count on site → set delivery date for missing access items → keep completion unchecked

  2. 65

    Have lease, contact, service-charge, facility, and rental records been handed over?

    ACTION IF NOT METMissing → obtain materials using an operational handover list → verify contact information → prioritize essential operating records

  3. 66

    Is there a defined way to confirm registration filing and post-closing administrative/tax tasks?

    ACTION IF NOT METUndefined → specify filing reference, completion notice, and payment/reporting evidence → assign owner and completion time → check local deadlines

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CORE PRINCIPLE

Turn verified facts into conditions.Recheck before payment.

This guide provides general educational information. Legal, tax, registration and transaction decisions can vary by jurisdiction and deal structure.

Contract checklist | FIX BUILDING