Don’t Close That Deal Just Yet: Why Sellers Must Get Town Inspections 

So you’ve found a buyer, the paperwork’s in motion, and you’re already picturing your “SOLD” selfie. But hold the champagne—have you scheduled your town inspections yet?

Here’s the deal: before you can hand over those house keys and ride off into the sunset, your town needs to make sure the home you’re selling is actually, you know, safe to live in. That’s where the Certificate of Occupancy (the famous “CO” or “COO” as the cool kids in real estate call it) comes in. Issued by a town official after a proper inspection, this certificate gives the official green light for someone to occupy the property. No CO = no go.

This isn’t just a box to check. It’s the municipality’s way of saying, “Yes, this house has working smoke detectors, proper exits, no illegal zombie apocalypse bunkers in the basement, and isn’t going to collapse the moment someone plugs in a toaster.” The CO must be acquired by the homeowner before closing if the property is being sold or leased.

But wait, there’s more! Depending on where you live, the town may also require additional inspections from various departments—like the Fire Prevention Bureau, Health Department, or Building Department. It’s a whole inspection party, and everyone wants to be invited.

Failing to schedule these inspections in time can seriously jam up your closing. We’re talking delays, rescheduling headaches, or worse—postponing that long-awaited move to Florida (or wherever your new dream home is waiting).

So, what’s a responsible seller to do? Simple: call your town early, ask what’s needed, and get those inspections scheduled pronto. That way, all required certificates can be in hand well before closing day.

Remember, selling a home isn’t just about getting the highest offer—it’s about making sure everything behind the scenes is buttoned up. Because nothing kills the mood on closing day like the words, “Sorry, we can’t close—you don’t have your CO.”

Get inspected. Get certified. And then go pop the champagne.