Consider getting a statement signed by all parties which states that everyone has agreed to terminate the current lease early on X date and all obligations by all parties have been paid in full and that the deposit will be kept by the landlord and will be applied to the new lease. 

- If the 5% do say they'll sell a must in this business they have to also agree to MOVE OUT PRIOR TO YOUR CLOSING DATE. 

We asked the owner if we could start painting the house before the closing date...

Make sure it's dated and have your agent take a picture of it on the door.Then have your agent hire a locksmith to be at the property on the stated date with any necessary contractor.

You good contertops and do a tile back splash with some color I think white subway is becoming a bit dated.  

Check "flexible" dates for a house with a pool to weed out the condos with shared pools.

I informed my cleaners that she did not need to clean on date of checkout.

It might be worth a follow-up closer to the move-out date to confirm their plans, but avoid excessive contact to prevent escalation.

Under IRS Publication 523 for 2023 dated February 2024, I qualify as "Service, Intelligence and Peace Corp Personnel" and for "qualified extended duty" (page 4& 5 - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p523.pdf).

Most of the US real estate market has seen inventory continue to rise with a lot of relisting and stale dated listings, but Valdosta seems to be a “Great White Buffalo” (if you get the movie reference).