A Sample Of The Seller's Checklist

Once your home is under agreement there will be many details for you to complete prior to the closing date (the date when the Buyer pays you for your home and you pass the deed to the new owner.) This checklist is provided to you as an explanation and orderly method of completing these items.

After signing the Purchase and Sale Agreement, we will give you a completed copy with dates, etc.

1. Closing Facts (each to be confirmed later)

A. The planned closing date will be: _________________________

B. The closing time: _________________________

C. The closing price: _________________________

2. Drawing the Deed

It is the responsibility of the Seller to have the Deed prepared. It can either be drawn by the Seller’s attorney or the attorney handling the closing for the Bank and the Buyers. It should be determined how the buyer wishes to take title - one name, husband and wife, etc. I can help you make the arrangements for drawing the Deed with the attorney of your choice. This should be started at least 21 days prior to the closing date.

3. Water Meter Reading Telephone # _______________

It is the responsibility of the Seller to present a paid water bill at the closing. The Seller should request a meter reading from the water department of their town or city 7 days before the closing date, then make arrangements to pay the bill prior to the closing date and receive a receipt bill from the water department.

4. Electric and Gas (if any)

The Seller should notify the electric and gas (if any) company at least 7 days prior to the closing so that a final reading of the meter(s) can be made on the closing date and to provide a forwarding address (probably you new home address.)

5. Smoke Detector Certificate Telephone # _______________

The Seller should contact local fire department to request inspection of required smoke detectors and to obtain Certificate - Cost $25.00-$50.00

6. Fuel Oil - There are two methods of handling this item.

A. The day of the closing, the Seller can take a reading of the tank (1/4, 1/2, 2/3, etc.), the attorney will estimate the cost, using an agreed upon rate per gallon, and the Buyer will reimburse the Seller.

B. The Seller can fill the tank on the day before the closing, pay the fuel company and receive a receipt, then the Buyer will reimburse the Seller for the amount paid.

7. Insurance

The Standard Purchase & Sales Agreement notes the dollar amount of insurance being carried on the property from the date of the agreement until the day after the closing. Arrange with your insurance company to be adequately protected. The Seller should notify the insurance company at least 7 days before the closing and give them your new address if a refund is due.

8. Arrange for the Mover

This should be done 30 to 45 days before the closing date. Care should be taken not to make firm arrangements until all commitments of the Purchase and Sales Agreement are made, such as satisfactory home inspection and the Buyer’s receipt of a firm financial commitment.

9. Items to be Repaid, replace and/or Completed Prior to Closing
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

10. Final Inspection of the Property
The Buyer inspects the property prior to closing “Final Walk-through”, probably one day before or the morning of the closing. This is normal. This is to satisfy themselves that the property is in approximately the same condition as it was when they agreed to buy.

The Seller must make arrangements to completely vacate the property prior to the closing date. The property must be ready and clear of all personal property for the Buyer to move into immediately following the closing.

11. Items to bring to the closing
A. Paid water bill
B. Paid oil bill (if any)
C. Copy of the latest Tax Bill
D. All keys to the property
E. Automatic garage door openers should be left at the property
F. Deed (if drawn by other than the closing attorney)
G. Smoke Detector Certificate
H. Picture Identification (e.g., Driver’s License)

12. General

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Buyer’s Attorney

Name _______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Telephone ______________________


Seller’s Attorney

Name _______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Telephone ______________________

Bank’s Attorney

Name _______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Telephone ______________________

I will be checking with you from time to time to see if you need any help in completing any of the above items.

Please feel free to call us if you have any questions       Mobile 781-760-3778

Attorney’s Fee for preparing Deed (approximately $100.00)
Stamps on Deed ($4.56 per thousand dollars)
Brokerage Fees
Any unpaid Real Estate Taxes to date of closing