Finally approaching the closing date is an exciting time for sellers in the Vail Valley! But it can also feel a little overwhelming as you start to think about all the things you have to do. Forgetting something is easy when there are so many moving parts. Your real estate agent will be by your side to help guide you through it and remind you of what you may need to do. However, if you’d like to be prepared and keep a closing checklist, here are the things I recommend sellers consider.
Cleaning and Organizing
By most standard purchase agreements, it’s not necessary to clean a home thoroughly, but it’s definitely a nice touch and buyers really appreciate it.
If you do choose to give your home a thorough cleaning, you’ll need to make sure it is move-in ready before you close. If you have the time and energy, you could clean the home yourself. However, I recommend paying a professional cleaning service to do it. They’ll be able to go the extra mile and clean cabinets, refrigerators, and other appliances. It’s also a good idea to hire someone to deep clean the carpets, especially if you’ve had pets.
This is also when you want to start collecting all the keys and remotes, as well as manuals and warranties for appliances. The buyer may change the locks but they will still need the initial keys. Collect all the remotes for gates, garage doors, and even ceiling fans, lights, or built-in sound systems. You’ll want to leave all of these things in an obvious location. In this same place, you can also organize the manuals, warranties, and receipts for any of the appliances that you will be leaving behind in the home. This way it is easy for the buyer to access them in case anything breaks.
Utilities and Insurance
Once the home is clean and empty you will need to turn off switches for lights and fans and turn off valves for sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and any other appliances that might use water. This avoids the potential of any flooding and utility costs while nobody is in the home and before the accounts get switched. At this point, you’ll also want to cancel or begin transferring utilities over to the new owner.
Insurance will need to be canceled on the home as well. However, I don’t suggest canceling your policy before the actual closing date. You never know what might happen. It is possible to schedule these cut-off dates in advance. You can start collecting all the information and documents you might need to make this happen.
Documents
There’s a lot of paperwork involved in the sale of your Vail Valley home. Try to keep all relevant and important documents in one place so that they are easy to find and access for closing day. Keep your closing statements, seller disclosures, and purchase contract together in a safe place. In addition to this paperwork, your agent will also give you your settlement agreement which has the details of your home’s sale. Make sure to review this document closely! If there are any errors that need to be corrected or questions you need to have answered you don’t want to wait until the last moment. Looking it over immediately means the parties allowed to make any changes are still available.
You’ll also need documentation of any repairs you’ve made per the home inspection. If you own your home outright, you’ll need to bring the deed as well. And lastly, don’t forget to bring your photo ID and the keys to the home!
How Can I Help?
I hope that you’ve found this closing checklist for sellers useful. Please reach out to me if you ever want to know more or if you are interested in buying or selling a home. I want to provide my clients with interesting and up-to-date information so they can make informed decisions. If you think that my expertise and positive attitude might be of service to you don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me.
Would you like more information on the Vail Valley/Cordillera area or the real estate market specifically? To receive my detailed monthly market report immediately, click here!
Robert Schilling
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist
Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties
(970) 390-0705
[email protected]