Possession Day Checklist for Saskatoon Home Buyers

The Short Answer

On possession day, secure the home first by changing the locks, then photograph the utility meters, confirm every item in your contract is there, and test the appliances, heating and plumbing. If anything isn't right, document it and contact Clayton and Jessica, your trusted REALTORS®, or your lawyer within 24 hours.

Use the free checklist below on your phone as you walk through, add your meter readings and log any issues you find. When you're done, print it or save it as a PDF to keep with your closing documents. Prefer paper? Tap "Print a Blank Checklist" and bring it along.

What Should I Do on Possession Day?

Possession day is when the keys become yours. Before you start unpacking, take an hour to walk through the empty home and check that everything is as agreed. The checklist above follows the order we recommend to our buyers:

• Secure the home: change or rekey the exterior locks, reset the alarm code and reprogram garage door remotes.
• Meter readings and documents: photograph the gas, electricity and water meters and collect any manuals, warranties and service records.
• Check your inclusions: compare your purchase contract to what's in the home, including appliances, window coverings and light fixtures.
• Appliances, heating and electrical: run the dishwasher, washer and dryer, test the stove and furnace, and check outlets and switches.
• Plumbing and water: run every tap, flush every toilet and look under every sink.
• Safety, windows and doors: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check that windows and doors lock, and record a video walkthrough.

For the reasons behind each step, read our post on the top things to do on possession day.

What Should I Do Before Possession Day?

A few days ahead, set up power, natural gas and water in your name starting on possession day, make sure your home insurance is in place, book your movers and internet installation, and set up mail forwarding. Confirm with Clayton and Jessica when and where you'll get the keys. Our Home Buyer's Guide has a full moving checklist.

When Do I Get the Keys on Possession Day?

In Saskatoon, keys are usually released around noon, once the lawyers confirm the sale has closed and the funds have been paid. It can sometimes run later, so leave some breathing room when you book movers and ask Clayton and Jessica what to expect for your purchase.

What If Something Is Wrong on Possession Day?

If you find something that wasn't disclosed or doesn't match the condition agreed to in your contract, act quickly. Take photos and video, write down what you found and where, and contact Clayton and Jessica, your trusted REALTORS®, at 306.241.6029 or your lawyer within 24 hours. Don't assume something is minor; let the professionals assess it. The checklist's issue log keeps everything in one place.

Should I Change the Locks When I Move In?

Yes. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys were made over the years, so changing or rekeying the exterior locks should be the first thing you do. Reset the alarm code and reprogram garage door remotes and keypads at the same time.

Why Should I Take Meter Readings on Possession Day?

Timestamped photos of your gas, electricity and water meters record where usage stood when the home became yours, which helps make sure you're only billed for what you use. In Saskatoon, power may come from SaskPower or Saskatoon Light & Power depending on the address, natural gas from SaskEnergy, and water from the City of Saskatoon or your town.

What If the Home Has a Sump Pump?

Check that it runs and find out where it discharges. Our sump pump best practices explain what Saskatoon homeowners should keep an eye on.

Can I Print the Possession Day Checklist?

Yes. Tap "Print / Save My Checklist" to print the checklist with your checkmarks, meter readings and issues, or save it as a PDF. Tap "Print a Blank Checklist" for a clean copy to fill in by hand.

More for Saskatoon Home Buyers

Home Buyer's Guide · Home Viewing Checklist & Scorecard · Mortgage Calculator · Fall Home Prep Essentials · Search All MLS® Listings

Ready to Buy in Saskatoon?

From your first showing to the moment you turn the key, Clayton McNally and Jessica Hamel of Trusted Realty Powered by RE/MAX Saskatoon will guide you through every step. Talk to Clayton and Jessica, your trusted REALTORS®: call or text Jessica at 306.241.6029 or Clayton at 306.341.4401, or send us a message below.