Closing Checklist for Home Sellers

Selling your home involves many steps, and closing is one of the most crucial. It's the moment when you legally transfer ownership to the buyer. To stay organized and ensure nothing is forgotten, creating and using checklists for each step can be immensely helpful. Here's a checklist to guide you through the closing process.

Prepare Your Home

As you get ready to sell your home, gather items the new homeowner will need, such as:

• Owners' manuals for appliances
• Warranty information
• Garage door openers
• Extra keys

Leave these items on the counter where the new owners can easily find them. Additionally, give your home one final cleaning and check all drawers, closet shelves, and other storage areas to ensure you haven't left anything behind. Once you leave the closing, the home is no longer yours, so make sure everything you intend to keep is out.

Before you go, shut off the water valves to sinks, toilets, the water heater, and appliances to prevent accidental flooding. Inform the buyer about this so they don’t mistakenly call a plumber. Finally, lock up the house securely on your way out.

Gather Your Documents

To ensure a smooth closing process, stay organized and have all necessary documents ready, including:

• Photo ID for all sellers
• One set of keys to the home
• Security codes (if applicable)
• Documentation of any contractually-required repairs
• The deed to your house (if you own it outright)

If you owe money, bring a cashier’s check to the closing or wire the amount to the escrow account. If money is owed to you, you will receive a check or have the funds wired to your account before you leave.

Understand Your Agreement

During closing, you will review the contract and other paperwork related to the sale of your home. Pay close attention to:

• Your remaining mortgage balance
• Realtor commissions
• Any outstanding bills (property taxes, utilities, HOA fees, homeowners insurance, etc.)
• Escrow and/or attorney fees
• Title fees

Don't hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear or doesn’t sound right.

Cancel Your Insurance and Utilities

Once closing is complete, immediately contact your utility company and homeowner's insurance provider to cancel these services. Make sure the cancellations are timed so the home is covered until the moment it’s no longer yours.

File Your Paperwork

The final step is to file all closing documents in a safe place. Consider scanning digital copies to store in the cloud and keeping the original paperwork in a filing cabinet or safe.

Selling your home is an exciting milestone. By following this checklist, you can navigate the closing process with confidence and ease.