REAL ESTATE 101

Presented by:

Jason Steele – Broker 519-377-2147 cell

Coldwell Banker, The Property Shoppe Real Estate Brokerage

 

Seller obligations for closing week:

So you sold the house! Congratulations! Whether it was a long journey, or a short one, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Ok, hold that breath! Let's go over a few things first:

A week or so, give or take a few days, prior to closing you will be called by your lawyer to sign documents and make last minute preparations for title changes. It doesn't stop there. Don't forget to call the movers or the moving truck rental company to confirm times and locations etc. And, call your buddies to be sure of what kind of ale they drink on moving day. (after the move of course, or nothing will get done!)

Here is a simple checklist of some (not all) of the things you should check and double check before the day of closing:

1. Left over paint in the house...is it the 20 year old stuff, or the stuff you just used last month? Get rid of any old paint...chances are the new buyer is going to make the home their own masterpiece!
   
2. Oils, solvents, cleaners under sinks, in garages should be disposed of as well. Check with the municipality for disposal requirements of toxic and poisons.
   
3. Junk – Red Foxx may have wanted it, but unless specified in the Agreement, the new buyer doesn't want your junk! Old renovation projects, like drywall, cut/trim wood, etc hiding in storage in the rafters, or basement needs to be removed. I know they don't want the old toilet plunger either!
   
4. Make sure all systems in the house are working as they were the day that the Agreement was accepted. For example, an element on the stove stopped working, or when moving the piano, you scratched the hardwood. If anything like that happens, notify your lawyer right away. You don't want closing day hold ups, and that will likely happen.
   
5. Switch your mail delivery
   
6. Be sure your utility companies have been notified and read the metres on the day before closing
   
7. About 1-3 days prior to closing, the Buyer's will likely want to make one final inspection of the home. This is normal and is to ensure that no damages have taken place and the house is as it was when they made the offer.
   

On the Day of Closing:

1. Please clean the home, it is courtesy. No need for a professional clean, but be sure the cupboards are wiped out, the fridge, stove, washer, dryer are clean, and the floors swept and mopped through.
   
2. Leave the extra keys on the kitchen table (be sure the lawyer has the other set)
   
3. Leave and warranties, maintenance folders and garage door opener on the kitchen table as well
   
4. Your lawyer will call to let you know that the Transaction has closed (providing there were no issues) normally by around 3pm on closing day. We normally say, morning is for moving out, afternoon for moving in.
   
5. Lock up behind you and say goodbye to the neighborhood.
   
6. Wait you forgot Scruff! Pretty sure the new owner doesn't want any of your pets, so don't forget to bring them with you!
   

Remember, this is only a short list. Talk to your lawyer or ask your REALTOR® any questions you may have.