Sold Your Home? Don’t Forget These 4 Important Steps Before You Leave
Selling your property feels like a major achievement after you've staged it, had showings, and received some interesting offers. There's still a lot to do in the lead-up to moving day, even after you've located the ideal buyers. Simple but crucial chores shouldn't be neglected, even though your attention will probably be on packing and setting up your new house. Before formally turning in the keys and bidding farewell to your previous residence, think about finishing these four crucial tasks.
1. Update your utilities, accounts and subscriptions
Before leaving, ensure to disconnect! Contact your phone, internet, and cable providers to inform them of your relocation. Turn off these services when you depart. On the closing day, take readings of your gas and electricity meters to settle utility payments for your usage before the new occupants arrive.
If you receive newspaper deliveries or have yard and pool maintenance services, inform them of your impending move. Coordinate with your local post office to forward your mail to the new address to avoid missing crucial packages, bills, or letters. Regarding insurance, refrain from canceling your policy until the sale is finalized. If your home will be vacant for a period before the new owners take over, notify your insurer and keep your policy active to ensure coverage in case of any incidents during the property's unoccupied period.
2. Leave behind important items for the new owners
Simplify the transition for new homeowners by placing instruction manuals prominently for easy reference when dealing with unfamiliar appliances. This should encompass guides for heating and cooling systems, the refrigerator, stove, washing machine, dryer, and any associated warranties. Ensure that all keys to sheds, gates, storage cabinets, mailboxes, garage door openers, and fobs are gathered and left in a conspicuous location, such as the kitchen counter. Exercise caution regarding items obligated to stay for the new owners, even if not immediately apparent. When removing fixtures like light fixtures or curtain rods attached to the walls, refer to your purchase agreement to confirm what is included in the sale.
3. Give the home a wipe-down
After a tiring moving day, your buyers will be grateful to enter a home that's ready for their arrival. Most sales agreements mandate that the property be left in a 'broom-swept condition,' which essentially means a basic clean. This involves clearing out personal belongings, vacuuming floors, and getting rid of all trash. Unless the purchase contract specifies a professional cleaning, sellers are not typically required to arrange one. While tidying up your home, remember to address often overlooked areas such as the attic, crawlspace, closets, outdoor shed, garden beds, refrigerator, freezer, and other easily missed spaces.
4. Do a final walk-through
We've all experienced that moment of leaving home and worrying about forgetting something crucial. On a moving day, eliminate any lingering uncertainties by conducting a final walkthrough inside and outside the property to confirm nothing important has been overlooked. Before securing the property, verify that the temperature is adjusted for the season and, if the home will be vacant for an extended period, turn off the main water valve. During your last inspection, make certain that the home is securely locked. Confirm the closure and locking of all windows, doors, garden sheds, garages, and patio doors.
Conclusion: Sold your home? Don’t forget these 4 important steps before you leave
In the process of selling your home, 888 Realty stands out as a trusted ally, ensuring a seamless and stress-free transition. Beyond the exhilaration of finding the perfect buyers, these four essential steps become a roadmap to leaving a lasting positive impact. Our commitment to excellence and unparalleled expertise in real estate elevate the selling experience, making us the ideal choice for those seeking not just a transaction, but a partnership for a successful and smooth home-selling journey. Choose 888 Realty for a confident step into your next chapter.
