Before selling your home, one of the most important steps you can take is confirming with your town or city that all open permits are properly closed.
An open permit means work was started but never officially inspected or signed off by the building department. Even if the project was completed years ago, the town still considers it unfinished until the final inspection is done.
Closing open permits protects you as the seller. Buyers, attorneys, and lenders routinely check municipal records during due diligence. If they discover an open permit, it can raise concerns about whether the work was done safely, correctly, or to current code. This often leads to delays, last‑minute negotiations, or even a buyer walking away.
If open permits are not addressed before listing, sellers may face:
Closing delays while inspections are scheduled
Unexpected repair costs if the town requires updates
Buyer credits or price reductions
Breach‑of‑contract disputes if the home isn’t delivered as promised
Taking the time to verify and close permits early ensures a smoother transaction, protects your equity, and gives buyers confidence in the home’s condition.
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