I was preparing one of my seller's for their upcoming closing and I developed a check list for them to refer to throughout the process. Often, the seller has so much on their plate it is easy to forget what needs to be done to help make their end of the closing --- run smoothly.

1. Set or confirm the closing date and time . Your attorney's office usually communicates the closing date with the buyer's attorney but follow-up so everyone is on the same page. A final walk through of the home with the buyer should be scheduled within 24 hours of closing and soon after the seller has moved out. Each agent and the buyer is there for the final walk through of the home.  

2. Please make sure your attorney sends a letter confirming the items (if any ) completed on the inspection list. If items were not going to be completed, the attorney should also communicate the details to the buyer's attorney. If communicated in advance of the closing , no issues come up at the closing table.  

3. Bring the following to the closing: a. final water bill marked paid; b. town inspection of fire, safety or Certificate of Occupancy ( CO ); c. proof of fire extinguisher/location, carbon monoxide & smoke detectors.

4. If the home is heated by oil, call the oil company for the current value and bring the statement to the closing. You will need this for reimbursement or payment for fuel left for the new homeowners. You may need to transfer the oil tank insurance to the new homeowner.

5. Contact your gas, electric and water utilities. Communicate the closing date and request a bill marked final meter reading --- bring this to the closing.

6. Review your final estimated closing costs with your attorney. This is sometimes called a HUD  or RESPA statement. It should explain all fees, real estate transfer fees, taxes/municipal fees, commissions and other details specific to your closing.  

 7. If appropriate, order the 1 year  Homeowner's Warantee for the buyer and make sure that it is paid for at the time of closing.  

8. Always leave a list of phone numbers for the new buyer including the landscaper, pool person and/or snow removel contractor. It is also a good idea to leave current menus from local restaurants, banks, medical facilities --- to help your new homeowner get oriented to the neighborhood.

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at 201.675.1618 or email CupaT@aol.com .

copyright Pamela Stetson 2009