SETTLEMENT CHECKLIST for the SELLER

Checklist of items to do if you are the SELLER of the house about to close:

1. At least three days prior to closing, call the settlement company to give them your mortgage payoff information (loan account number, toll-free numbers to the mortgage company, names on the account, your social security number etc.) They will then call your lending institution and request an exact payoff for the date of your closing.
2. Cancel all applicable utility accounts effective the date of settlement UNLESS you are renting the home back from the buyer(s) for a certain period of time, in which case make the transfer effective the date that your rent back period ends.

You can find utility companies contact info and websites on my home page under “My Business Friends”.

3. Call your insurance agent and cancel your home insurance effective the date of settlement, NOT earlier. If you are renting the home back from the buyers, you may wish to purchase renter’s insurance for the duration of your lease.  Talk to your insurance agent about this.
4. If you have water meter(s), you will be required to sign a form transferring the water bill from your name to that of the buyer. Unlike other utilities, the water bill is a LIEN AGAINST THE HOUSE and if not properly paid, can jeopardize the successful transfer of ownership.  WATER METER READING: ________________
5. Ensure that all repairs that you have agreed to with the buyer are completed and that you have receipts to prove that.  If, in the event that you have completed the repairs yourself, keep in mind that the work required is to be done well.
6. Please bring all warranty papers, manuals on appliances/security systems, mail box keys, garage door openers, etc. to settlement in order to give these to the buyers, or put them in a conspicuous place in the home when you leave.
7. Unless there is a rent back agreement in place, the home MUST be vacant, vacuumed and free of any trash prior to a pre-settlement walk through inspection by the buyers -- typically done 2 hours prior to settlement.
8. All owners of the home being sold are required to bring a photo ID with you to settlement (valid Driver’s License, passport, etc).
9. Not all settlement attorneys disburse settlement funds at the closing table. Please call the attorney to clear this matter ahead of time and/or to make arrangements to wire the money into your account.
10. If you or any other owner of the property will not be able to attend closing, please call the attorney’s office and ask them to make arrangements for a "Power of Attorney," whereby someone else can sign for the person who won't be able to attend.
11. If you feel that I have deserved it, I would welcome a reference letter from you, so I can share it with future clients.

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