The closing process is the final step in selling your home, where all the necessary paperwork is completed, and ownership is transferred to the buyer. It's a crucial stage that requires careful navigation. Here's a guide to help you navigate the closing process successfully, as well as a list of clean up products to help you through.
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1. Gather Required Documents
Closing Process Tip: Collect all relevant documents, including the deed, property survey, and title insurance policy. Often you have previous documents that have been emailed to you: Search your email on 'appraisal' or 'approval' or whatever you are looking for. You may want to invest in a good quality fireproof organizer to store all your home documents for future reference to save digging through drawers in future!
2. Schedule a Home Inspection if you are a FSBO or For Sale By Owner
Closing Process Tip: A home inspection is often part of the closing process. Be prepared for the inspector's visit. Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Listing, THE way to list if you want to destress the process. You can either pay for your inspection yourself, or we have funding partners who upfront the money for the inspection and any repairs necessary. Find your Expert Agent anywhere in the United States. Your agent will set up the inspection for you with their trusted local inspector.
3. Negotiate Repairs if Necessary
Closing Process Tip: After the inspection, negotiations may arise regarding necessary repairs. Be ready to address these issues. Savvy home sellers have already pre-inspected their home, so there's not much to worry about here!
4. Review the Closing Disclosure
Closing Process Tip: The Closing Disclosure outlines the terms and costs of the mortgage. Review it carefully. Your expert agent will help you with this. For most of us, it is easier to print it out and make notes on it. Stash it in your organizer - you'll be referring to it again!.
5. Coordinate with Your Real Estate Agent
Closing Process Tip: Stay in close contact with your real estate agent for guidance and updates.
6. Prepare for the Final Walkthrough
Closing Process Tip: Before closing, there's a final walkthrough. Ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition. Often the issue here are marks on the walls or sun stains on the floors after furniture is move out. Make sure to leave any agreed on items.
When moving out of your home, it's essential to have a survival list of items to ensure a smooth transition. This list typically includes essentials that you'll need immediately in your new home before everything is fully unpacked. Here's a comprehensive list - I will include my faves if I have them so that you won't be scrambling at the last minute:
These bleach tablets are so much easier than bottles, and you can make liquid bleach from them if you need to. Bleach is so helpful when cleaning old stains of sinks or in the bathroom. Way cheaper, and no need to carry those heavy bottles!
Basic Tools: A set of screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers, a measuring tape, and a utility knife for any quick fixes or to help with assembling furniture. In the stress of packing up or moving, it's great to have this on hand. Quite honestly, even though I have great quality tools this case is my go to!
Kitchen Essentials: Basic cookware, a few dishes and utensils, a coffee maker, and some non-perishable food items. If you are tired of the old dishes - these are my favorites and I have used them for years.
They go with everything, they are thin and yet the sturdiest dishes I have ever owned. I've dropped them so many times! Light and easy to stack in the dishwasher. They'll be around forever too so you can get replacements or add ons.
Bathroom Supplies: Toilet paper, towels, shower curtain, soap, shampoo, and other personal hygiene products. You will need a jumbo pack of paper towels for your move out and to take with you on the road!
Bedding: A set of sheets, pillows, and blankets for your first night. I splurged a year ago and bought the Giza sheets from My Pillow, and they are the high quality sheets I have been searching for. Crisp and heavy.
Clothing: Pack enough clothes for a few days, including work outfits and comfortable clothing for unpacking. Pack up what you would for a weekend away!
Important Documents: Keep your identification, important records, contracts, and valuables in a safe and accessible place. If you invested in that invest in a good quality fireproof organizer put em in there.
Electronics and Chargers: Your phone, laptop, and their respective chargers, plus any other essential electronics. If you don't have a cord and charger organizer, suggest you get one as a stress lifter!!
First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies for minor injuries or ailments. Don't have a kit? Find one for about $20 packed with 200 items here.
Snacks and Water: Keep some snacks and bottled water handy to stay hydrated and energized.
Flashlight and Batteries: In case you arrive after dark or need to navigate a poorly lit area.
Personal Items: Such as glasses/contact lenses, medications, and other personal care items. If you are like me and need readers after lasik, I buy cheap packs as I am always misplacing them lol!
Many people use cardboard boxes - I doubled the initial cost on using clear plastic tubs, which I have now used for years through 3 different moves. The benefit here is a) you don't have to get rid of all those boxes, and most importantly b) you can see what is inside. Let's be honest, many of us don't unpack on day one, or day 300, so now you have tubs that you can stack in the garage or in closets where you can still see what is in them. I also buy chalk stickers and write on them. It seems expensive - however price out boxes and consider that you will use them for years, to put away holiday and other stuff and things, as well as keeping the items you never unpack lol. And you'll always be able to see what is inside. These plastic clear moving tubs come with gaskets to make them water resistant and the movers or you can easily stack them.
Remember, the key is to pack items that will help you get through the first few days without having to search through boxes. It's always better to be over-prepared than underprepared during such transitions.
11. Secure Movers or Rent a Truck
Closing Process Tip: If you're moving out, arrange for movers or rental trucks well in advance. You usually need at least 12 weeks. Get with your agent right away who will be able to recommend the best service.
12. Plan for Utility Transfers
Closing Process Tip: Transfer utilities to the buyer's name and cancel your services as needed. Most of the expert agents in our network are registered with a Utility Concierge so they can help you with this.
13. Attend the Closing Meeting
Closing Process Tip: Be prepared to attend the closing meeting and sign all necessary documents. Often this can be done virtually.
14. Celebrate and Relax
Closing Process Tip: After a successful closing, take time to celebrate your sale and relax in your new space. Make sure you have kept the champagne and a few glasses out!
The closing process is the final chapter in selling your home, and it's essential to navigate it smoothly. By following these closing process tips, you can ensure a successful and stress-free closing experience. See our other posts on selling your home here
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