Homeowners go through a lot during the sale of their home. After showing the home, finding a buyer, working out an offer, and then going back and fixing up the home one more time, what else is there left to do? Well, a lot. A successful close requires a thorough accounting of the home selling process thus far, making sure every part was attended to, and then a thoughtful review of the paperwork involved in the sale. Here, we have a checklist of things to remember in order to create a successful close.
Get Ready for the Move

Call three movers and get estimates. It can seem like a good idea to go with the lowest offer, but with movers, you tend to get with you pay for.
Ask the moving company if you can get a fixed price rather than an estimate.
Ask the moving company if they charge more for things like stairs.
Many moving companies work by weight, so there are a few things you might save money by selling (like exercise equipment), and buying again new after the move.
Make sure friends, family, doctors, and schools are aware of the move.

Clean the Home One-More-Time!

Give your home a final cleaning; check all storage spaces, basement, closets, for anything left behind.
Leave a spare set of keys for the new owner on a counter or someplace else where they can easily find them.
Make sure your change of address paperwork has been filled out with the post office and creditors.
Make sure everything in the home is shut off. If the house is going to be vacant for some time, it can be a good idea to shut off the water, in case of burst pipes.
Lock things up.

What You Bring to Closing

Photo ID
The Deed to the home
Documentation of repairs
Main set of keys, and if applicable, security codes

Seller Costs at Closing

Agent Commissions (6% of the sale)
Property Taxes, Utility bills, Homeowner’s insurance, and if applicable, Homeowner’s Association Fees
Title Fees
Attorney/Escrow Fees
If applicable, remaining mortgage balance

Tasks After Closing

Make sure the utilities have been transferred to the new owners.
Cancel homeowner’s insurance policy after the title change has been recorded by the county.
Keep all closing paperwork in a safe and easy-to-access place.

Back to: Closing on your home sale