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Real Estate Wholesaling Checklist

Real Estate Wholesaling Checklist (Step-By-Step for 2025)

real estate investing strategies wholesale real estate Sep 12, 2025

Key Takeaways:  Real Estate Wholesaling Checklist
  • What: A practical, repeatable real estate wholesaling checklist that walks you from lead generation to signed assignment or double-close.
  • Why: Checklists prevent missed steps, protect your spread, and keep deals moving—especially when juggling sellers, buyers, title, and funding.
  • How: Follow the steps below: prep your business → generate & qualify leads → analyze & set MAO → lock the contract → dispo to a cash buyer → coordinate closing → debrief and scale.

Real estate wholesaling is one of the fastest-growing types of real estate investment. Unfortunately, few people really understand what wholesale real estate is or how it works. Fortunately, we’ve put together this step-by-step real estate wholesaling checklist to guide you through this exciting and potentially lucrative process:


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1) Business & Compliance Prep

Before you market or make offers, lock in the essentials so your real estate wholesaling checklist runs smoothly from day one.

  • Start a real estate business: Create an LLC (or entity of choice), get an EIN, and open a dedicated business bank account.
  • Set up communications: Business phone number, voicemail, call tracking, and a professional email on your own domain.
  • Core documents (attorney-reviewed): Seller intake form, purchase agreement (assignable), assignment contract, and optional JV contract.
  • Title/escrow partner: Choose a company experienced with assignments and double-closes; confirm their process and fees.
  • Funds & EMD: Keep a current proof of funds letter (≤30 days) and know your earnest money deposit plan for A→B and B→C.
  • Systems: CRM/pipeline, simple bookkeeping, e-signature tool, and a basic website/landing page with privacy policy.
Compliance Snapshot (Start Here)
  • Know your state/local rules: advertising, equitable-interest disclosures, assignment restrictions, and any licensing triggers.
  • Truthful marketing: Don’t market a property without permission or equitable interest; avoid misleading claims.
  • Consumer protections: Honor DNC/TCPA rules for calls/texts; respect fair-housing standards in ads.
  • Paper trail: Save signed contracts, POF, EMD receipts, and all communications in your deal file.

Not legal advice—consult a licensed real estate attorney in your state.

 

2) Lead Generation

Your real estate wholesaling checklist lives or dies on consistent, qualified seller leads. Build a simple, diversified mix you can run every week—then track what actually turns into signed contracts.

  • Outbound (control + speed): Direct mail to niche lists, compliant cold calling/SMS, driving for dollars, door knocking on vacant/notice properties.
  • Inbound (intent + scale): Google PPC for “sell my house fast,” basic SEO + Google Business Profile, content that answers seller pain points.
  • Paid social: Meta ads under the Housing category (15-mile radius, broad ages); use Instant Forms or a fast landing page.
  • Relationship/JV: Agent referrals, other wholesalers, local investors, property managers, probate/eviction attorneys, and auction lists.
  • Define your buy-box: Target cities/neighborhoods, property types, price bands, and condition. Share this with partners so they bring you the right deals.
  • Set weekly activity goals: e.g., 500–1,000 mail pieces, 50–100 seller conversations, 20 new distressed doors added, 1–2 JV meetings.
  • Track every lead: Use a CRM with stages (New → Contacted → Appt → Offer → Contract). Add utm_source, dedicated call tracking numbers, and a required “Lead Source” field.
  • Follow-up system: Sub-5-minute speed-to-lead, then a 7-day call/SMS/email cadence with a calendar link and credibility assets (reviews, case studies).
30-Day Fast Start (Simple Plan)
  • Week 1: Launch Google Business Profile; spin up a 1-page “sell your house” site; import CRM; create lead source tags and call tracking numbers.
  • Week 2: Mail your first niche list (probate/tax-delinquent); start compliant cold-call blocks; add 50 driving-for-dollars doors.
  • Week 3: Turn on a small Meta campaign (Housing category) and publish two “sell fast” FAQ articles for SEO.
  • Week 4: Host two JV coffee meetups with agents/wholesalers; review KPIs (cost/lead, appt rate) and double down on the top channel.


3) Lead Intake & Qualification

Speed and structure win here. In your real estate wholesaling checklist, aim to respond within 5 minutes, follow a short script, and capture the same data every time in your CRM.

Your 60-second intake script (flow):

  • Who/Decision-maker: “Thanks for reaching out—am I speaking with the owner and decision-maker?”
  • Why selling: “What’s prompting the sale?” (job move, inheritance, repairs, behind on payments, etc.)
  • Condition: “Any needed repairs or updates? Roof, HVAC, plumbing, foundation?”
  • Timeline: “Ideally, when would you like to close?”
  • Price: “What price were you hoping for?” (record both ask and lowest cash number if offered)

Qualify (or disqualify) fast—confirm early:

  • Occupancy & access: Vacant vs. occupied; lockbox availability; showing window.
  • Liens & hurdles: Mortgage balance, tax/HOA liens, code violations, permits.
  • HOA/COA rules: Fees, rental restrictions, special assessments.
  • Legal/ownership: All owners on title? Estate/probate status? Power of attorney?
  • Fit: Property type, area, and condition match your buy-box; timeline aligns with your buyers.
Save these fields in your CRM (every call)
  • Full name(s), best number, email, decision-maker status
  • Property address, occupancy, access instructions
  • Motivation, condition notes, photos/video requested
  • Timeline, asking price, lowest cash number
  • Liens/debts (mortgage, taxes, HOA), HOA contact if applicable
  • Next step & appointment date/time

Set the appointment (and lock it in):

  • Offer two times: “I can do Tue 4:30 or Wed 10:00—which works?”
  • Send a confirmation text/email with your name, company, time, and what to prepare (utility bills, any bids/estimates, HOA info).
  • Add a calendar invite with the address, parking/entry notes, and your phone number.

Copy-ready confirmations:

Text: “Hi [Name], confirmed for [Day, Time] at [Address]. I’ll call/text on arrival. If anything changes, reply here. —[Your Name]”
Email: Subject: Confirmed — Walkthrough at [Address]
Body: Looking forward to [Day, Time]. If available, please have any repair estimates/HOA info handy. You can reach me at [Phone].

Compliance note: Honor DNC/TCPA rules for calls/texts and respect privacy when storing seller data.

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4) Analyze Deals & MAO

Profit is made (or lost) in the analysis. Use consistent rules to calculate ARV, repairs, and your buyer’s discount so you can set a defensible MAO (Maximum Allowable Offer) every time.

Step 1: ARV (After-Repair Value):

  • Pull 3–5 true comps: within ~0.5 mi, ±15% sq ft, similar beds/baths/style, sold in the last 6–12 months.
  • Adjust for condition/features (garage, pool, lot, renovations) and throw out outliers.
  • Average the adjusted comps to set ARV; sanity check with active/pending listings nearby.

Step 2: Repairs (conservative):

  • Use a quick scope: roof • HVAC • electrical • plumbing • foundation • kitchen • baths • flooring • paint • windows • exterior.
  • Estimate with a per-sf baseline (e.g., light: $15–$25/sf; medium: $30–$45/sf; heavy: $50–$80/sf) and add a 10–20% contingency.
  • Note special costs: permits, septic/well, code violations, liens, and tenant/occupancy issues.

Step 3: Buyer discount & your fee:

  • Know your buyers: flippers may target ARV × 0.70–0.78 in many markets; buy-&-hold buyers often pay more if rents support it.
  • Decide your wholesale fee up front (e.g., $7,500–$25,000+) based on spread and complexity.
MAO (to seller) = (ARV × BuyerDiscount) − Repairs − YourWholesaleFee − Other Costs*

*Other Costs: closing/transactional fees, liens, back taxes, HOA estoppels, utilities, clean-out.

Step 4: Pre-match with buyers (price test):

  • Before offering, text your top buyers a quick “price check” with photos, ARV, repairs, and your target assignment price.
  • Align on access and closing timeline to avoid surprises after you contract the deal.
Quick Example

ARV $350,000 • BuyerDiscount 0.74 • Repairs $45,000 • Your Fee $15,000

MAO = (350,000 × 0.74) − 45,000 − 15,000 = $196,000 (before any known liens/back taxes).

Pro tips: Document assumptions in your CRM, keep photo/video proof for buyers, and revisit MAO if comps/repair bids change. When in doubt, price for speed—getting to a contract with a safe spread beats perfect math that never closes.



5) Seller Appointment & Offer

Your goal at the appointment is simple: earn trust, document condition, and present a clear, credible offer the seller can say “yes” to. Use this step of your real estate wholesaling checklist to stay consistent.

Before you arrive (5-minute prep):

  • Confirm time, address, access, and decision-makers (who must sign).
  • Bring a credibility kit (POF letter, references, sample timeline) and a simple walk-through checklist.
  • Pre-fill an offer range based on ARV/repairs; leave room to adjust after the walk-through.

Build rapport fast (first 2–3 minutes):

  • Thank them for the time; acknowledge their situation (move, repairs, timeline).
  • Set the agenda: “10–15 minutes to tour, a few questions, then I’ll share options and timing.”

Walk-through essentials (photos/video):

  • Mechanical systems: roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, foundation.
  • Kitchens/baths, flooring, windows/doors, exterior, garage/outbuildings.
  • Red flags: water stains, settlement cracks, panel issues, soft floors, odors, mold.

Bridge to pricing (tie back to their goals):

  • “You said speed and no repairs matter most. If we buy as-is and cover closing costs, would a quick close in [X] days help?”
  • “If we handle clean-out and you pick the date, does that solve the biggest headache?”

Present your offer (range → exact):

  • Soft anchor: “Based on nearby sales and needed updates, most buyers would be in the $___–$___ range.”
  • Firm offer: “If we handle everything as-is and close in __ days, I can be at $___ today.”
  • State terms plainly: earnest money, access for buyers/contractors, closing costs, and assignment or double-close if applicable.

Handle objections with options:

  • Price pushback: “If we’re at $X, we can still include clean-out and cover your closing costs. If you need $X+, we’d need more time or access for buyers.”
  • Timeline: “We can close in __ days or give you a post-close occupancy for __ days to move.”
  • Repairs: “Keep it as-is. We’ll handle repairs after closing.”
One-Minute Offer Script

“Based on what I saw—roof age, bath updates, and flooring—you’re looking at about $__ in work. Cash buyers nearby paid $__ after similar updates. If we buy as-is, cover closing costs, and close in __ days, I can do $__ today. I’ll send everything in writing now. Does that work for you?”

Lock it in (next steps):

  • Recap the agreed price/terms; confirm all decision-makers.
  • Send e-sign docs on the spot (purchase agreement + any addenda).
  • Set expectations: earnest money delivery, access windows, and target close date.

Compliance note: Be truthful about your role and terms; disclose assignment intent where required; get written permission before marketing a property you don’t own.

6) Contract & Contingencies

This is where your real estate wholesaling checklist becomes real. Use a clean, attorney-reviewed purchase agreement and bake in the access and timelines you need to perform, whether you’ll assign the contract or double-close.

Must-have terms (for wholesalers):

  • Assignability: “Buyer may assign this Agreement” (or attach an assignment addendum). If you plan a double-close, you can omit assignability but ensure timelines work for both A→B and B→C.
  • Access & showings: Permission for buyer/contractor/end-buyer walkthroughs, photos/video, and 1–2 scheduled group showings.
  • Inspection contingency (short & specific): 5–10 business days to verify condition, title items, HOA/municipal issues; right to cancel with EMD refund if not satisfied.
  • Clear title: Seller delivers marketable title; all liens, taxes, and violations paid at closing. Title/escrow selected and contact details listed.
  • Earnest money (EMD): Exact amount, deposit deadline (e.g., 24–48 hours after execution), and what happens on default/cancellation.
  • Closing costs & timeline: Who pays what (title, transfer tax, doc stamps). Target close date and any extension rights/fees.
  • Possession: On funding/recording unless post-occupancy is agreed; include hold-harmless and per-diem if seller stays after close.
  • Marketing/equitable interest: If you intend to market your equitable interest, get written permission to advertise photos/details, subject to local rules.
  • Disclosures: State/municipal forms (lead-based paint, seller’s disclosures, HOA, etc.) and any “as-is” language required.
Copy-Ready Clause Snippets (Plug-In)
Assignability: Buyer may assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, to an affiliated entity or end buyer without further consent. Seller agrees to cooperate with reasonable documentation changes at no additional cost.
  
Access/Showings: Seller grants Buyer and Buyer’s representatives reasonable access for inspection, photos/video, contractor bids, and up to two (2) scheduled group showings with 24 hrs notice.
  
Inspection/Right to Cancel: Buyer shall have ___ business days after Effective Date to inspect property, review title/HOA/municipal searches, and approve in sole discretion. If disapproved, Buyer may cancel in writing within the period and receive EMD refund.
  
Title & Closing: Seller to convey marketable title free of liens except as approved by Buyer. Closing on or before ___, subject to a one-time extension of ___ days upon written notice and payment of $___ extension fee credited to purchase price at closing.
  
EMD: Buyer to deposit $___ with [Title/Escrow] within 2 business days of execution. If Seller defaults, EMD returned to Buyer; if Buyer fails to close after contingencies expire, EMD may be released to Seller as liquidated damages.
  

Process checklist (do these in order):

  • Get signatures from all owners of record; verify authority (trust/LLC/estate).
  • Send the fully executed agreement to title/escrow; open file and deposit EMD on time.
  • Order title search/municipal lien/HOA estoppel; calendar your inspection deadline.
  • If assigning: prepare assignment agreement, collect end buyer’s EMD/POF, and notify title.
  • If double-closing: confirm funding path (transactional/hard money) and schedule A→B then B→C.

Compliance note: Contract terms and required disclosures vary by state/city. Use locally compliant forms and consult a licensed real estate attorney. Avoid marketing a property without permission or equitable interest.



7) Dispositions (Buyers List & Marketing)

This is where your real estate wholesaling checklist turns signed contracts into cash. Package the deal clearly, launch it to the right buyers in the right order, and lock in the most certain offer—not just the highest headline price.

Build a clean, specific deal packet (no fluff):

  • Property basics: Full address, beds/baths, year built, lot size, parking/garage.
  • Media: 25–60 photos (interior + exterior) and a short video walk-through.
  • Numbers: ARV with 3–5 comps, repair estimate (scope + ranges), rent comps if relevant.
  • Price & terms: Asking price, access instructions, showing window, closing timeline, who pays closing costs.
  • Access & rules: Lockbox code or hosted showing, do-not-disturb, proof of funds required, bring contractor only during show window.
  • Disclosures: Occupancy/tenancy, HOA, known liens/violations, “as-is” sale, assignment or double-close exit.
Copy-Paste Deal Packet (Template)
📍 Address: [123 Main St, City ST]
🛠 Condition: [As-is | Vacant/Occupied] — highlights: [roof 2012, HVAC older, bath dated]
💰 ARV: $___ (comps: [123 Oak $__, 456 Pine $__, 789 Elm $__])
🔧 Repairs: $___–$___ (scope: [kitchen, bath, flooring, paint, misc])
🏷 Asking: $__ (buyer pays [all/partial] closing costs)
🗓 Close: on/before [date]; Access: [lockbox/show window date & time]
📑 Exit: [Assignment/Double-close]; POF required with offer; $___ EMD within 24–48 hrs to [Title/Escrow]
⚠️ Notes: [HOA $__, open permit #__, code violation #__]
  

Launch sequence (protect relationships & price):

  • Step 1: VIP pre-release: Text/email your top 5–10 vetted buyers first for 24 hours.
  • Step 2: List broadcast: Send to the full buyers list; then post in your private groups/website.
  • Step 3: Show window: Host one or two group showings; no piecemeal tours.
  • Step 4: Offer deadline: Set a clear cutoff (e.g., 6 pm next business day) to compare apples to apples.

Screen offers fast (certainty over vanity):

  • Proof of funds: Require a current POF that matches the buyer/entity.
  • EMD: $3k–$10k (market-dependent), wired within 24–48 hours to title; consider non-refundable after inspection.
  • Timeline: Confirm closing date, access needs, and any lender involvement (true “cash” preferred).
  • Track record: Prior closes with you or your title company get priority.

Choose the buyer (simple scorecard): Price (40%) • Certainty/POF/EMD (40%) • Speed/clean terms (20%). A slightly lower, rock-solid offer often nets more than a flaky “highest.”

Paperwork & handoff:

  • Assignment path: Execute assignment agreement, collect assignee EMD, notify title with fee instructions and all contacts.
  • Double-close path: Schedule A→B then B→C; line up transactional/hard money and send both contracts to title.
  • Backups: Keep #2 and #3 buyers warm until EMD is in and contingencies pass.
Email/SMS Blast (Fill-In)
Subject: OFF-MARKET 🔥 [City ST] — [3/2, 1,350 sf] — Asking $___ — ARV $___

Hi [Buyer Name], off-market deal in [Area]:
• 3/2, 1,350 sf, built 19__, vacant/as-is
• ARV $___ (comps: ___, ___, ___)
• Repairs $___–$___ (scope: ___)
• Asking $___; close by [date]; show window [date/time]
POF required with offer; $___ EMD to [Title]. Reply “INFO” for photos & packet.
  

Price management: If no acceptable offer by the deadline, update buyers with one clear price improvement and a new short deadline—avoid drip-pricing that burns trust.

Compliance note: Only market properties you own or rights you’re authorized to market. Follow MLS/association rules, fair-housing standards, and privacy best practices.


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8) Proof of Funds, Earnest Money & Timeline

This step proves you can perform and keep your real estate wholesaling checklist on schedule. Get a current proof of funds letter, lock in earnest money logistics, and map a simple closing timeline—especially if you’ll double-close.

Proof of Funds (POF): what to have ready

  • Fresh & matched: Dated within ≤30 days (some platforms ≤14) and the entity name matches your offer/escrow.
  • Right amount: Cover purchase price plus closing costs; some agents ask for a property-specific POF with the address.
  • Verifiable: On bank/bridge-lender letterhead with contact info; export as PDF.
  • Backups: Keep a redacted bank/brokerage statement handy if requested.

Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): best practices

  • Amounts: Commonly $1,000–$5,000 on A→B; stronger or competitive deals may need $5,000–$10,000. Mirror market norms.
  • Timing: Wire or deliver within 24–48 hours of execution (per contract). Get a receipt from title/escrow.
  • Refundability: Tie EMD to inspection/title contingencies; once contingencies expire, EMD may become non-refundable—calendar this date.
  • Wire safety: Always call title/escrow to verify instructions; beware of email wire-fraud.

Double-Close / Transactional Funding (when assignments are restricted)

  • Plan both sides: Schedule A→B then B→C same day (or back-to-back). Confirm title can handle both files.
  • Funding: Line up transactional or hard money for the A→B purchase; don’t assume you can use the end buyer’s funds unless your title and lender explicitly allow it.
  • Costs & fees: Budget lender fees, two sets of closing costs, and per-diem/recording timing.
Simple Deal Timeline (plug in dates)
  • Day 0: Purchase agreement executed (A→B).
  • Day 1–2: EMD delivered to title/escrow; POF on file.
  • Day 1–7: Inspection/title review; market to buyers; host showing.
  • Day 7–10: Select buyer; collect buyer POF + EMD; sign assignment or prep double-close funding.
  • Day 10–Close: Clear conditions, confirm wire instructions, schedule signings.
  • Close Day: A→B then B→C fund & record; confirm fee disbursement.

Copy-paste POF request (email your bank/lender):

Subject: Proof of Funds Letter Request — [Your Entity Name]

Hello [Rep Name],
Please provide a proof of funds letter on letterhead for [Your Entity Name] dated today confirming at least $[Amount] in liquid funds
(usable for real estate purchase). If possible, include the property address: [123 Main St, City ST]. 
List your contact info for verification and sign as authorized representative. Thank you!
—[Your Name], [Phone]

Bottom line: A current proof of funds, clear earnest money terms, and a written timeline reduce fallout and keep everyone moving toward a clean closing.

9) Transaction Coordination

This phase keeps your real estate wholesaling checklist on track. Create one master timeline, confirm who does what (you, title/escrow, seller, buyer), and communicate short, regular updates until recording.

Within 24 hours of execution (kickoff):

  • Email title/escrow the executed purchase agreement, addenda, assignment or double-close instructions, buyer contact, and EMD receipt.
  • Send proof of funds (buyer/entity) and desired close date; list access/showing rules and lockbox details if any.
  • Ask title to open file(s), start title search, municipal lien search, tax certs, and (if applicable) order HOA estoppel.

Clear title early (don’t wait):

  • Request payoff statements (mortgage/HELOC), HOA balances, code/permit status, and any lien releases.
  • If estate/probate, confirm authority (PR letters, death cert, court orders). If LLC/trust, collect entity docs and signer authority.
  • Document any tenant/occupancy issues and required notices; secure estoppel letters if needed.

Access, inspections, and showings:

  • Set one or two group showings (no drip tours). Send safety and “do-not-disturb” guidelines.
  • Coordinate buyer/contractor walkthroughs inside your inspection window; capture photos/video for absent buyers.
  • Track keys/lockbox codes and restore access after each showing.

Deadlines & deliverables (put on one timeline):

  • Inspection end date (and EMD “goes hard” date), title objection deadline, HOA/condo doc review window.
  • Assignment execution date (if assigning) and assignee EMD deadline; or funding approval date (if double-closing).
  • Close date, extension rights/fees, and post-occupancy terms if the seller stays after closing.

Double-close specifics (if assignments restricted or fee privacy needed):

  • Schedule A→B then B→C on the same day (or back-to-back). Confirm title handles two files.
  • Line up transactional/hard money for A→B; verify lender docs, payoff timing, and wire cutoffs.
  • Review two ALTA statements; confirm your fee shows on B→C only (per your plan and local norms).

72–24 hours before closing:

  • Get clear-to-close from title; review ALTA/settlement statements for fees, prorations, and your assignment/double-close proceeds.
  • Verify wire instructions by phone with title (no email-only changes). Confirm signing appointments and IDs for all signers.
  • Confirm utility responsibilities, key exchange, and final walkthrough (if applicable).
Wire-Fraud Safety Checklist
  • Call the title office number from their website to confirm wire instructions.
  • Never trust last-minute instruction changes sent by email.
  • Send a $100 test wire first if your bank allows, then the remainder after confirmation.

Simple weekly update (copy/paste):

Subject: Transaction Update — [Property Address] — Week of [Date]

Green: Title search in, HOA estoppel requested, buyer EMD received.
Yellow: Waiting on mortgage payoff (ETA Wed); code lien clearance due Fri.
Red: None.

Next milestones: Inspection ends [Date], ALTA draft [Date], close [Date].
Needs: Seller to confirm access window Thu 2–4 pm. — [Your Name]

Closing day & post-close:

  • Bring a valid ID; confirm recording and disbursement. Get final signed docs and ALTA.
  • If double-closing, ensure A→B funds in before B→C; confirm your proceeds release.
  • Hand off keys/access; send thank-you notes, request reviews/referrals, and archive the full deal file.

Compliance note: Follow state/municipal rules for disclosures, tenant laws, and funds handling. Use attorney-reviewed forms and keep a complete paper trail.

10) Closing: Assignment vs. Double-Close

Your exit choice affects paperwork, costs, timeline, and fee visibility. Pick the cleanest path that your contract, title company, and buyer can support.

Quick Guide
  • Assignment: Transfer your contract to the end buyer for a fee; simplest/cheapest where allowed.
  • Double-Close: Close A→B then B→C (same day/back-to-back) when assignments aren’t allowed or you want fee privacy.

Assignment (Simple & Low Cost)

  • Use when: Your purchase agreement is assignable, seller/agent/title allow assignments, and your buyer is truly cash/ready.
  • Steps: Execute assignment agreement → collect assignee EMD and current POF → notify title of fee and new buyer → coordinate one closing.
  • Pros: One closing, lower fees, faster timeline.
  • Watch-outs: Some contracts/MLS addenda prohibit assignment; fee will often be visible to parties; lender-financed end buyers may not permit assigned contracts.

Double-Close (Privacy & Flexibility)

  • Use when: Assignment is restricted, fee sensitivity is high, or buyer’s lender requires you to be the seller of record.
  • Steps: Schedule A→B then B→C same day/back-to-back → line up transactional/hard money for A→B → send both contracts to title → review two ALTA/settlement statements.
  • Pros: Fee privacy, works with most lenders/buyers, solves assignment bans.
  • Watch-outs: Two sets of closing costs and docs; strict timing and wire cutoffs; confirm your title company supports same-day doubles.
Decision Checklist
  • Contract assignable? If no → Double-close.
  • Seller/agent OK with assignment and fee visibility? If no → Double-close.
  • End buyer using a lender? If yes → Double-close preferred.
  • Title company supports same-day A→B→C? If no → Find one that does or adjust timeline.
  • Do you have funding for A→B? If no → Secure transactional/hard money or revert to assignment (if allowed).

Paperwork & Money Flow (at a glance):

  • Assignment: Purchase Agreement (A↔B) + Assignment Agreement (B→C) → Buyer’s EMD to title → One closing; your fee disbursed per assignment instructions.
  • Double-Close: Contract A↔B and Contract B↔C → Two files at title → Fund A→B (transactional/hard money) → Immediately fund B→C → Your profit realized on B→C.

Compliance note: Use locally compliant forms, disclose assignment intent where required, and avoid marketing a property without permission or equitable interest. Not legal advice—consult a real estate attorney in your state.

11) Post-Close & Scaling

Closing isn’t the finish line—it’s the feedback loop that makes your real estate wholesaling checklist stronger. In the first week, lock in finances, collect reviews, update KPIs, and turn one win into the next deal.

Within 24–48 hours of closing

  • Confirm disbursements/wire receipts and save the final ALTA/settlement statements.
  • Pay partners/vendors (TC, photographer, runners) and send thank-you notes to the seller, buyer, and title.
  • Archive the complete deal file: executed contracts, assignment/double-close docs, EMD receipts, POF, emails/text logs, photos, invoices.

Log KPIs & learn

  • Lead KPIs: CPL, lead→appointment %, appointment→contract %, contract→close %, days-to-close.
  • Deal economics: ARV accuracy (±%), repair variance vs. estimate, average fee, marketing channel ROI.
  • Fallout notes: Why any buyers dropped (price, timeline, access); update your dispo script and packet.

Turn one deal into more deals

  • Reputation: Ask the seller and buyer for a short review (Google Business Profile) and permission to use a before/after photo.
  • Referrals: Add both to a 90-day nurture: “We just bought/sold nearby—know anyone who needs a quick, as-is option?”
  • Case study: Publish a 1-page deal summary (address masked) for your buyers list and website.

Buyers list hygiene

  • Tag buyers by area, price band, and exit (flip vs. BRRRR); note their typical repair comfort and timeline.
  • Remove chronically non-responsive contacts; keep POF recency noted; flag your top performers for VIP pre-releases.

Finance & ops

  • Reconcile books (COGS, marketing, TC, funding costs). Set aside taxes (e.g., 25–30%) and replenish reserves.
  • Update your MAO calculator/SOPs with real repair costs and title timelines from this deal.

Scale smart

  • Outsource repeatable tasks first: list building, lead intake, TC, photos. Keep pricing/negotiation in-house until your scripts are dialed.
  • Increase what’s working 10–20% monthly; test one new channel at a time (don’t fragment focus).
7-Day Post-Close Sprint (Checklist)
  • Day 1: Save ALTA, pay partners, archive full file.
  • Day 2: Log KPIs; update MAO/repair assumptions; write 5-bullet case study.
  • Day 3: Request seller & buyer reviews; post a “Just Closed” (no private details).
  • Day 4: Email VIP buyers the case study; ask for their next buy-box updates.
  • Day 5: Launch a reactivation to cold leads: “We just bought nearby—need an offer?”
  • Day 6: SOP update: scripts, deal packet template, showing rules.
  • Day 7: Capacity plan: hire/VA decision, next 30-day marketing budget and volume goals.

Copy-paste review request (email/text)

Hi [Name], thanks again for working with us on [Address]. A quick review helps other owners/investors know what to expect.
Would you mind sharing a sentence about your experience here? [Your Google review link]
—[Your Name], [Company], [Phone]

Compliance note: Get written permission before using photos/testimonials; protect private data in your case studies; retain records per your state’s requirements. Not legal advice.

Compliance & Ethics

Stay Compliant:
  • Be truthful in ads and disclosures; don’t market a property without equitable interest or owner permission.
  • Use compliant contracts; disclose assignment intent where required.
  • Respect fair-housing and data privacy standards in all marketing.

Not legal advice. Consult a licensed real estate attorney in your state.



FAQs

Have quick questions as you work through this real estate wholesaling checklist? The FAQs below tackle the most common roadblocks—POF, MAO, assignment vs. double-close, buyers lists, timelines, and compliance. Use this section as a fast reference while you move from lead to close:

What is a real estate wholesaling checklist?

A sequenced list of tasks that takes you from first contact to closing, so nothing slips and timelines stay tight.

Do I need a proof of funds to wholesale?

Often, yes—agents, sellers, and auctions may require a current POF for offers, registrations, or opening escrow.

What is MAO in wholesaling?

Maximum Allowable Offer—the highest price you can pay while preserving a safe wholesale fee and buyer demand.

Assignment vs. double-close: which is better?

Assignment is simpler and cheaper where permitted; double-closing protects fee privacy and works when assignments are restricted.

How big should my buyers list be?

Quality beats quantity, but aim for dozens of vetted cash buyers with clear criteria and recent closes.

Conclusion

Use this real estate wholesaling checklist every time: prep your business, qualify fast, analyze precisely, lock clean contracts, and dispo like a pro. Tight process wins deals, protects your spread, and scales your pipeline—one repeatable step at a time.


If you’re serious about doing your first real estate deal, don’t waste time guessing what works. Our FREE Training walks you through how to consistently find deals, flip houses, and build passive income—without expensive marketing or trial and error.

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*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.

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