For Sale by Owner Tips

Closing the Sale

Preparing for the New Owners

On the next pages of for sale by owner tips, we will look at that time between all those clauses being satisfied and the big moving day. In other words, Closing the Sale.

You've followed and completed all the for sale by owner tips to this point. You are just waiting now to bring everything to the final conclusion.

If you haven't done so yet, go ahead, put that big SOLD sign on your yard sign. Go ahead, I'll wait here.

There is still work to be done which we will cover on the next pages of these for sale by owner tips.

What is Left to Complete?

Here is a list of some work still to be done:

* Prepare the house for the new owners.

* Arrange all the cancellations for utilities, insurance, mail etc. (We'll look at this in detail later)

* Arrange all the hook-ups for your new place of residence.

* Calculate all your closing costs.

* Have the buyer do their final walk through inspection.

* Signs all the final papers with your lawyer and mortgage lender.

* Monetary adjustments to be made, by your lawyer.

* Moving Day

No Need to Panic

Although the list above of for sale by owner tips may seem quite intimidating, it really isn't that big of a deal. Sure, moving can be a pain, but it can also be exciting as you turn another page in your life.

Most of the other stuff usually goes along quite smoothly and most of the actual work is done by others.

So lets break down these for sale by owner tips into bite size pieces, OK?

Preparing the House for the New Owners

* Depending on where you live and the time of year, make sure lawns are mowed and driveways and sidewalks are clear of ice and snow.

* Make sure all garbage goes out on garbage day. Anything left after that, pleas remove from premises.

* Have floors clean. Vacuum , sweep, wash, wax and or wash.

* Clean windows, sinks and counter tops.

* Touch up any dings and scrapes that may have occurred during your move.

* If any appliances are included, leave all paperwork including any transferable warranties concerning items purchased, for new owners. If fridge is turned off, leave door partially open and secured in that position.

* Leave all paperwork concerning such items as the furnace, air-conditioner and security system.

* Leave paperwork for any repairs recently done such as re-shingled roof.

* If closing is during hot weather, leave the air-conditioning running at a comfortable temperature

* If cold weather, leave the furnace set at a comfortable level.

* Leave any left over paint, varnish or wallpaper in the house or garage, clearly marked where it was used.

* Leave a note to the new owners and include your new address. They may get mail later that they can forward to you. They may also have a question concerning something about the house that you can help them with. You may also want to give the new owners your telephone number(s).

* A nice bouquet of flowers or a fruit bowl left in the kitchen can be a nice gesture.

* Leave a roll of toilet paper in each bathroom.

* Leave a roll of paper towels in the kitchen.

* You may want to write up a list explaining to the new owners where water shutoff valves are located or where the furnace emergency shut-off is located.

* Make sure you leave any extra keys to house, garage, sheds etc. for the new owners. Don't forget any remotes you have for the garage door.

* Write down any combination lock numbers or security codes.

* Make sure you have topped off any oil or propane fuel tanks if required in the contract.

* Another for sale by owner tip, is to read the purchase and sales agreement one more time, to ensure you are not missing any obligations, before going to your attorney for the closing.

You of course want to arrange hook-ups and disconnects, but that is for another page.

If you want some more ideas, you might find more information on the house staging pages. From For Sale by Owner Tips to House Staging

Can't Think of Everything!

Your own personal situation may involve more items than listed above. Some of the things on the list may not pertain to you at all.

If you have tenants renting your house, or perhaps part of the house, make sure that they have been either been given proper notice to vacant or the lease is in place for the new owners.

Speaking of tenants, a nice gesture is to personally introduce the tenants to the new owners.

That is about all I can think of at this time on this for sale by owner tips page. I'll add any other items if and when they occur to me. Of course I'll never cover every possible contingency!

Disclaimer Privacy Policy Contact Me