Selling your home is an exciting time in life. Whether you are moving onto bigger and better things or simply looking to upgrade. Getting rid of this home to move on with life is important. However, that means that you will need to find a new home or place to live while you are looking for your next home. Selling can be a really busy time in life. They want you to have your home in showroom condition at all times. This can make living in the home while it is up for sale a bit difficult. However, there are some things that you need to do and remember to do before you go to closing.
1. Know your closing costs
While you might be getting a check for the equity in your home, you will be looking at closing costs. Many times these costs can be the bank fees as well as relator fees, taxes, and more. Be sure that you have a good idea of what is expected of you before you show up to closing.
2. Utilities
Your utilities should be canceled or transferred to your new home. This step is something that in the midst of everything else, many people forget. You don’t want to be responsible for the utilities of the new person that is moving into your home. Sit down a make a list to ensure that you catch them all. If you do online bill pay, then you will have a nice list there that you can work from. However, not all will allow for this, be sure that you have all phones, cable, lights, water, sewer, and trash.
3. Forward your mail
While you might have alerted all billing companies and utilities of your leaving, there will still be mail that you will need. Things such as your license renewal or other important documents. This is easy, you simply need to go to your local post office and fill out the needed postcard. Then everything will be forwarded and you can change the address as you go.
4. Show up for the final walkthrough
While this isn’t required it does show good faith. Show up at the final walk-through with the buyers and tell them everything you might know about things. While they are there, you can show them how you need to wiggle a certain handle, for example. While this isn’t required, it does show good faith.
5. Leave what needs to be left
Leave all keys, combinations, openers, and appliances. If you have the manuals for any of the appliances or the drawings to the home, leave them in a pile that is obvious such as on the kitchen counter. Be sure that you leave all alarm codes and any information you have to the security of the home.
These are just some tips that sellers should think of before they walk into closing. Be sure that you are walking in with confidence that you are making the right decision and that you have left the home in good standing, awaiting its new occupants.
