Seller’s Closing Checklist
Congratulations on Selling Your Home!
Before officially handing over the keys, follow this checklist to ensure a smooth closing process.
Before Closing Day
✔ Confirm the closing date, time, and location – Your attorney will provide these details.
✔ Gather necessary documents – Bring any required paperwork, including:
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Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
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Final utility bills – mostly for propane or fuel oil
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Any warranties or manuals for appliances, HVAC, or systems staying in the home – these items can remain in the house
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Keys, garage openers, and access codes
✔ Schedule final utility readings and service transfers – Arrange for utilities to be
taken out of your name as of the closing date and provide the buyer with provider
information:
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Electric
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Gas
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Water & Sewer
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Trash & Recycling
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Internet, Cable, and Phone
✔ Cancel homeowners insurance – Schedule the cancellation for the day after closing
to ensure coverage through the final sale.
✔ Notify your mortgage lender – Confirm that the payoff amount is correct and inform
them of the closing date. Your attorney will do this as well, but it is good to verify.
✔ Schedule movers or cleaning services – Plan for your move-out and any final
cleaning.
Move-Out Checklist
✔ Remove all personal belongings – The home should be completely empty unless otherwise
agreed upon with the buyer.
✔ Deep-clean the home – Buyers appreciate moving into a clean space. Consider hiring a
professional cleaner. Wende Wangelin is our trusted provider (716) 255-8025.
✔ Patch holes and leave attached fixtures – Repair nail holes and touch up paint where
necessary. Any fixtures screwed into the walls, floors, and ceilings generally transfer with the
sale. Things like blinds, light fixtures, and TV Mounts should not be removed unless stated in the contract.
✔ Take final meter readings – Some utilities may require this for your final bill.
✔ Double-check storage spaces – Look through closets, basements, attics, garages, and sheds to ensure nothing is left behind.
✔ Leave necessary documents for the buyer – If possible, leave manuals, warranties, and
instructions for appliances, security systems, or smart home features inside the home, usually in the kitchen or a kitchen drawer.
✔ Secure the home – Lock all doors and windows before leaving for the final time.
On Closing Day
✔ Review the closing statement – Ensure all fees, credits, and final costs match your
agreement.
✔ Sign all required documents – Your attorney or title company will guide you through this.
✔ Hand over the keys, garage openers, and access codes – Provide these to your real estate
agent, attorney, or directly to the buyer.
✔ Confirm final mortgage payoff – Your lender will receive payment from the closing
proceeds.
✔ Receive your proceeds – Funds will be transferred to your account or provided as a check.
After Closing
✔ Cancel or update your address – Change your mailing address for:
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USPS (www.usps.com/move)
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Banks and credit cards
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Employer and payroll services
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DMV for driver’s license and vehicle registration
✔ Verify mortgage loan payoff – Ensure your loan balance is cleared with your lender.
✔ File documents for tax purposes – Keep closing statements and other documents for
future tax filings.
Selling a home is a big step, and I’m here to make it as easy as possible. Feel free to reach out if
you have any questions before or after closing!