What Should Sellers Leave Behind? Simple Guide to Courtesy at Closing
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post to
Re-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Gwen today, and
worthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ
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Every now and then, I walk into a home on closing day and notice something small that says a lot.
The light bulbs are gone.
There is no toilet paper.
Not even a roll of paper towels in the kitchen.Now, are those items required to stay? No.
But this is where courtesy comes in.
The Difference Between “Required” and “Right”
The contract will tell you what must stay:
Fixtures
Built-in appliances
Anything attached to the property
Light bulbs and toilet paper are not part of that conversation.
But the experience for the buyer is.
They have just signed a stack of paperwork, transferred funds, and taken ownership of a new home. The first few hours matter more than most sellers realize.
Why Do Sellers Take These Items?
It usually comes down to habit, not intention.
They are packing quickly
They assume everything loose goes with them
They do not think about the buyer walking in right after closing
This is not about being difficult. It is about not thinking through the handoff.
What I Recommend Sellers Leave Behind
These are small things that make a big difference:
Light bulbs in all fixtures
One or two rolls of toilet paper in each bathroom
A roll of paper towels in the kitchen
Basic cleaning supplies
Extra air filters if they have them
Garage door openers and labeled keys
Manuals for appliances and systems
None of this is expensive. All of it is appreciated.
Set the Buyer Up for a Good First Day
Think about what the buyer needs in the first hour:
They walk in.
They check the home.
They start planning their move.Now imagine:
They can turn on every light
They can use the bathroom without running to the store
They have what they need to wipe down a counter or two
That is a smooth transition.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
This is something I say often.
The way you leave a home reflects on you, your agent, and the transaction as a whole.
Real estate is not just about contracts and closings. It is about people.
A Simple Closing Gesture
Some sellers go a step further:
A short handwritten note
Local restaurant recommendations
Trash pickup day information
These are not required, but they are remembered.
Final Thought
You do not have to leave everything.
But leaving the basics shows respect for the next person who steps into the home you just left. It costs very little. It means a lot. And it sets the tone for how the entire transaction is remembered. Set the bar high!
Your next chapter starts here.
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Gwen Fowler
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc
317 South Highway 11
West Union SC 29696
Serving Oconee County, from the banks of the Chattooga River to the shores of Jocassee, Hartwell & Keowee Lakes, and all the private lakes in between.c-->
Contact me about property in Oconee County, Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, Long Creek, Salem, Mountain Rest, Richland, Sunset and Six Mile, SC. 2nd homes are our expertise.
The best number to reach me at is 1-864-710-4518--either by call or text.
View our listings at www.CoolMountainEscapes.com
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