Your Pre-Closing Checklist

For Sellers

The P&S is signed and sealed. That means you’re home free, right? Not quite! Here are a few things you need to do before the sale of your home is complete.

Gather Necessary Documents

Before your home is sold, you’ll need to show proof that it is safe for a new owner. Your listing agent can help you obtain the necessary documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:

A Certificate of Compliance from your fire department confirming that your home passed a smoke and carbon monoxide inspection
A Title 5 inspection of your home’s waste disposal system in case your home is on private sewer
If you’re selling a condo, a 6D certificate showing that your home has no unpaid fees

Pay Final Utility Bills

Make sure that your water, electric, and gas/oil bills are paid up until the date of closing. Contact your utility companies to let them know you are moving and to transfer your accounts to your new address.

Complete Repairs

If you agreed to make any changes or updates to your home in your Purchase & Sale agreement, make sure they are complete.

A few days before closing, your buyer will do a walkthrough of your home and check for these. If anything is incomplete or isn’t done, it can delay your closing and when you get paid. (If you’ve made repairs that aren’t visible during the walkthrough, provide receipts instead).

Know What to Leave

Typically, a buyer will expect to move into an empty house with a few exceptions. Unless otherwise stated in your Purchase and Sale agreement, these items are generally included with your home and should be left behind when you move out:

  • Washer and dryer
  • Drapes
  • Blinds
  • Light fixtures
  • Mirrors

If these items are to come with you, they will have been excluded in your Offer and Purchase and Sale agreements. Similarly, any additional items that the buyer requests to have left in the home–like furniture or textiles–will be named in these agreements.

Clean Up

Take all of your belongings with you when you move out, and make sure to get rid of any trash. You don’t want to leave anything behind that the buyer will have to remove, as this could cause delays.

Decide If You’ll Attend the Closing

You don’t have to. Buyers need to be present at the closing, but it’s optional for the seller. Decide ahead of time if you want to go, or if you would prefer to complete your closing paperwork ahead of time.

Closing is complete when the buyer has signed the closing paperwork and the deed to your home is registered. Once this happens, you’re in the clear to take the final step: giving your buyer the keys to their new home.