What About the Seller?

Crowley & Cummings LLC MA Real Estate Attorneys Checklist for Sellers of Real Estate

With all the emphasis on buyers, First time buyers, second home buyers, a seller could get lost in the shuffle. This handy checklist of items to remember (it’s your closing too after all), will help keep you from feeling alone while the spotlight is on the buyer.

Up to 4 Weeks Before Closing

Remind your broker to have your home fire inspection done; the closing cannot move forward without this report from the local fire department. You will receive a Certificate of Compliance. Make a note of the date the department was contacted, the date of your inspection and the date the certificate was obtained.

Up to Two Weeks Before Closing

Notify your utility companies so that you can get your final readings. Make a note with the name, phone number, and the name of the person you spoke to and on what date so that you will have the information should you need it to call again and remind them a week later. For oil heat you need to obtain proof of how many gallons are left in the tank from your oil company, unless you have made another agreement with the buyer. Your broker will be able to explain the entire process to you in detail. Make a note of the date for anything you do, and anyone you speak with regarding the details of the closing and the tasks leading up to it.

Contact the post office or visit a branch and obtain a Change of Address package. Make sure that you have sent your new address information to everyone and have changed it with the post office. This will allow them to forward any mail from anyone that you might have forgotten to notify personally. Make a note of the date and a list of to whom you send notices.

Fill out a change of address form with the Registry of Motor Vehicles for your car, and get a sticker for your license.

Last Minute to Up to One Week Before Closing

Write down contact information and include the name and telephone number of your Crowley & Cummings Attorney, the name and phone number of your broker, the address for the home or business you are selling, and the address for where the closing will be held.

Either you or your broker will need to contact the water and sewer departments for final readings at least 5 days before your closing.

Have your homeowner’s insurance set to cancel the day after your closing, and remember to notify your insurance agent(s) with your new address for automotive insurance as well. Make a note of the date of every conversation, and the name of anyone with whom you speak.

Make sure that your moving arrangements have been made to allow you plenty of time to vacate the premises some time prior to the closing. In most cases, the property must be delivered ‘free and clear’ of any debris or occupants/tenants. And unless you have made other arrangements, the property should be swept clean leaving no trace of occupancy. Make a note of the date you contacted the moving company as well as the name and address of the company, and the moving date you have arranged.

Remind your attorney at Crowley & Cummings to have the new deed prepared. If you are not planning to attend the closing, this would also be a good time to have a power of attorney prepared so that you can go in and execute both that and the deed at the same time. Provide your attorney with instructions in writing as to how you would like the funds from the sale deposited. Date all of your interactions.

If you are planning to attend the closing, you will need to bring two forms of identification, one a license or valid legal ID, the Certificate of Compliance from the Fire Department (your broker should be available to help you with this), any keys to the property and any buildings thereon, a few blank checks in the event that there are last minute adjustments that need to be accounted for. If you are not going to attend the closing, bring these items with you when you execute the power of attorney and deed, or drop them off on the day of the closing.

If you are selling or buying a home in Massachusetts and need a closing attorney or mortgage financing, contact the real estate law office of Crowley & Cummings and have everything taken care of in one place.

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Crowley & Cummings are real estate attorneys located in Dedham MA specializing in real estate closings, title examinations, complex title issues, purchase & sale agreements, condo conversions, and other related services. They service lenders and mortgage brokers, real estate agents, as well as buyers and sellers in Massachusetts, New England, and throughout the US. To learn more visit them online at www.CrowleyCummings.com.