Before reviewing a contract, establish what documents exist and which version controls.

Key takeaways

  • Collect the signed agreement and every incorporated attachment.
  • Index source, date, version, and delivery proof.
  • Do not hide a missing document in a completed checklist.

Collect and index

Look for the contract, amendments, addenda, exhibits, disclosures, title materials, surveys, inspection records, notices, lender conditions, and closing instructions. For each item, record its filename, date, sender, recipient, and relationship to the contract.

Compare versions

Check that the signed copy matches the version referenced by later notices and that amendments identify the provision they change. Keep superseded copies labeled so a comparison can be reproduced.

Close the document review

Mark each expected item present, absent, or not applicable. Assign an owner and next action for every absent or inconsistent record.