Your New Seaport Condo Is Almost Ready: Pre-Closing Checklist

You are weeks away from keys in hand and harbor views. The final stretch can move fast, and small misses now can delay closing or complicate move-in. This guide gives you a clear, Seaport-specific checklist so you feel prepared, on time, and confident. Let’s dive in.

Your Seaport pre-closing timeline

60–30 days out: set the foundation

• Confirm your lender’s remaining conditions and your rate-lock expiration date.
• Ask the developer for the building’s move-in packet, building rules, and the expected Certificate of Occupancy status (final or temporary).
• Start homeowners insurance quotes so you can provide evidence to your lender at closing. Many lenders follow Fannie Mae checklists that expect insurance in place by closing. Review what is required for your loan type and timing using Fannie Mae’s guidance on insurance evidence.

30–14 days out: gather association docs

• Request the master deed, bylaws, rules and regulations, current budget, reserve information, insurance declarations, and recent board meeting minutes. Massachusetts condominiums are governed by Chapter 183A, so use the condo documents to understand rights, responsibilities, and how common areas are managed.
• Verify your parking and storage details and whether valet or garage access is included or separately managed.

14–7 days out: schedule your walkthrough

• Book your final “blue-tape” walkthrough and punch-list review with the builder. Consider bringing a licensed inspector or trade pro for an objective eye. A focused checklist helps you test systems and spot defects during the walkthrough.
• Ask the builder for their punch-list completion policy and timeline in writing.

7–3 days out: confirm numbers and insurance

• Your lender must deliver the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing under federal TRID rules. Review every line item and compare it to earlier estimates. If certain loan terms change, the three-day clock can restart, so respond quickly to any lender requests.
• Send your proof of homeowners insurance to your lender. If flood insurance is required, confirm the policy is bound and accepted by the lender.

Day before and day of closing: final checks

• Complete your final walkthrough: confirm punch-list items, test appliances, collect manuals, and verify keys, fobs, and parking placards are ready. Document anything outstanding with photos and a dated list.
• Call your closing attorney or title company to confirm wire instructions using a verified phone number. Do not rely on email alone. Industry guidance stresses phone verification to reduce wire-fraud risk.

Must-have documents and legal items

Core condo documents to review

• Master deed, recorded floor plans, and bylaws. These define your unit boundaries, limited common areas, and association powers under Chapter 183A.
• Rules and regulations. Confirm policies for pets, rentals, short-term rental restrictions, deliveries, moving windows, bike storage, and smoking.
• Meeting minutes from the last 12–24 months. Look for upcoming projects, litigation, or planned rule changes that could affect daily living or costs.

Financial health and reserves

• Current budget, year-to-date financials, recent bank statements, and reserve information. Compare reserve planning to industry expectations such as CAI/APRA reserve-study standards to understand whether the building is saving adequately for major components like elevators, roof, and façade.
• Watch for red flags: unusually low reserves for the building’s age and scope, pending special assessments, or frequent deficits.

Insurance and the 6(d) certificate

• Request the association’s master insurance declarations. Ask if the policy is “bare walls,” “single-entity” (walls-in), or “all-in.” The master policy type affects how much HO-6 coverage you carry for interior finishes and whether loss assessment coverage is useful.
• Plan for the Massachusetts Section 6(d) certificate. Lenders and closing attorneys commonly require a 6(d) certificate from the trustees stating whether condo fees are current. The seller’s side usually requests it, but timing varies by building, so start early to avoid delays.

Occupancy status and building readiness

Final CO vs. TCO

• Confirm whether your unit and building will have a final Certificate of Occupancy or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy at closing. Boston Inspectional Services can issue TCOs in certain cases, but they may carry conditions. Your lender and attorney will advise how a TCO impacts your closing and move-in.

Amenities, access, and onboarding

• Ask which amenities will be operational on day one and how you will receive access credentials. Confirm who handles resident registrations, package systems, and service requests.
• Clarify garage access, valet procedures, and any third-party vendors you must contact for setup.

Insurance, flood, and lender requirements

What lenders expect at closing

• You will need evidence of hazard insurance at or before closing. If your lender or underwriter expects specific endorsements or coverage limits, provide those early to avoid last-minute snags. Review Fannie Mae’s framework many lenders follow for temporary or permanent insurance evidence.

Flood considerations in the Seaport

• The South Boston Waterfront is low-lying and part of Boston’s coastal resilience focus. If your home is mapped in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, a federally regulated lender will require flood insurance. Use FEMA’s Map Service Center to check the property’s flood zone and ask the developer or manager for any elevation certificates or floodproofing details.

Aligning your HO-6 with the master policy

• Match your HO-6 coverage to the master policy type. If the association’s policy is bare walls, you will insure more interior finishes. If it is single-entity or all-in, you may insure fewer built-ins but still consider loss assessment coverage. Your insurance agent can tailor a policy once you share the association’s declarations page.

Final walkthrough and punch list

What to bring and test

• Bring your contract, finish and appliance list, inspection notes, blue painter’s tape, phone or camera, flashlight, and an outlet tester. Follow a structured walkthrough checklist to test plumbing, HVAC, electrical, appliances, windows, doors, and life-safety devices.
• Inspect finishes against your selections. Look for chips, gaps, grout quality, paint touch-ups, and hardware alignment. For balconies or terraces, confirm drainage, thresholds, and door operation.

Documenting and following up

• Create a written, dated punch list and send it to the builder’s construction manager. Ask for target repair dates and how to escalate if deadlines slip. Keep communication in writing and include photos. Many builders complete non-safety items after closing, so clarity on timing is key.

Should you hire a separate inspector?

• If your contract allowed earlier inspections, compare those notes to the final condition. If not, consider hiring a licensed inspector to join your walkthrough. An independent eye can help you prioritize fixes and catch systems-level issues.

Closing logistics and wire safety

The Closing Disclosure review window

• Under TRID, you must receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. If you receive a corrected disclosure for a material change, your review window can reset. Open and review lender emails promptly and ask questions early.

Title, recording, and the registry

• Your closing attorney or title company coordinates funding, recording, and delivery of keys. In Suffolk County, deeds and related documents are recorded at the county registry. Expect recording to occur shortly after closing once funds are disbursed.

Verify wires by phone

• Wire instructions should be confirmed by phone using a trusted number for your attorney or title company. Use secure portals where available and never rely on email alone. This simple step aligns with national industry guidance to reduce risk.

Move-in rules and Seaport logistics

Get the building move packet early

• Seaport buildings often have strict move windows, elevator reservations, and deposits or damage fees. Many require movers to provide a certificate of insurance naming the association. Reserve your elevator slot as soon as your closing window firms up.

Plan curb space and permits

• If you need a moving truck zone or sidewalk space, the City of Boston often requires temporary parking or street-occupancy permits. Lead times and fees vary. Coordinate with your building manager and mover and start the city permit process early to avoid day-of surprises.

Parking and valet details

• Confirm whether your parking space is deeded or assigned and how access works. Some Seaport garages use valet or require separate agreements and fees. Nail this down before moving day so your vehicle access is seamless.

Warranties and post-closing service

Understand the builder warranty

• Many new-construction developers use a “1–2–10” style warranty: one year for workmanship, two years for systems, and ten years for structural components. Confirm your coverage, how to register, response times, and how to submit claims.

Track punch-list and warranty items

• Keep a shared, dated list of open items and photos. Know who your warranty coordinator is and how to request service. If you plan to sell within the warranty period, ask whether coverage is transferable and what paperwork is required.

Quick pre-closing checklist

• Confirm loan conditions, rate-lock, and three-day Closing Disclosure delivery.
• Verify whether you will close with a final CO or a TCO and get that in writing.
• Collect and review condo documents: master deed, bylaws, rules, minutes, budget, financials, reserve details, insurance declarations, and the plan for the 6(d) certificate.
• Schedule your final walkthrough and prepare a punch list. Bring your contract and finish list, camera, and blue tape. Document everything.
• Arrange homeowners insurance and, if required, flood insurance. Send proof to your lender.
• Confirm wire instructions by phone with the closing attorney or title company.
• Book elevator time, provide movers’ COIs, and, if needed, start the city moving permit process.
• Confirm parking, storage, and access details. Ask how to register for amenities and package systems.
• Register your builder warranty and know the claim process.

When you are ready for a smooth finish, you want a local, new-construction savvy partner who understands Seaport buildings and developer processes. If you would like help coordinating these steps or reviewing building documents, reach out to John Dolan for a quick consultation.

FAQs

Can I close if the Seaport building only has a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy?

• Sometimes, yes. Many closings proceed with a TCO if it allows residential use and your lender and attorney accept it. Always confirm conditions and timing for the final CO.

What is the Massachusetts 6(d) certificate and why does it matter?

• It is a document from the condo trustees stating whether common charges are current for your unit. Lenders and attorneys commonly require it for closing and title protection, so request it early to avoid delays.

Do I need flood insurance for a Seaport condo?

• If your unit is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and you finance with a federally regulated lender, flood insurance will be required. Even outside mapped zones, ask about the building’s elevation and floodproofing to make an informed choice.

What if my punch-list items are not finished by closing?

• Keep a dated, written list, get the builder’s timeline in writing, and know your contract remedies. For serious safety or habitability issues, discuss options with your attorney before funding.

Who books the elevator and handles mover insurance for my Seaport building?

• You do, usually with the building manager or concierge. Reserve the elevator, pay any deposits, and provide your movers’ certificates of insurance naming the association, per the building’s move packet.