Wrapping Up Your Home Sale Properly

Parting with a home is bittersweet. Amid the chaos of moving, certain crucial steps need your attention to ensure a seamless handover to the new owners.

1. Tie Up Loose Ends with Service Providers

Before you lock the door for the last time, ensure all your utility accounts are squared away. Inform your internet, cable, and utility providers about your move, setting a final service date. It’s essential to measure your final utility usage for an accurate closeout bill. Don’t forget to redirect your mail to your new address to keep receiving your important correspondences seamlessly. Lastly, keep your home insurance active until the sale is officially completed to protect against any unforeseen incidents.

2. Prepare a Welcome Kit for the New Owners

Imagine stepping into your new home and finding a helpful guide to all the appliances and systems. Be that thoughtful seller by leaving behind manuals and warranties for household items. Gather all keys, remotes, and access devices, placing them in an obvious spot for easy discovery. Review your sale agreement to ensure compliance regarding which fixtures or items are to remain.

3. Clean Sweep the House

Leaving your house in a presentable state is not just courteous but often required by contract. Aim for a ‘broom-clean’ level, which involves removing all personal items, sweeping up, and disposing of garbage. Although a deep clean isn’t typically expected, clearing out hidden nooks and forgotten spaces like the attic or garden shed will be appreciated.

4. Conduct Your Last Inspection

To dodge the worry of overlooking something important, do a final walkthrough yourself. This is the time to double-check that you’ve packed all your belongings and haven’t left anything behind. If you’re moving out well before the new owners arrive, consider turning off the main water supply to prevent leaks and set the thermostat to a safe temperature. Ensure all doors, windows, and external buildings are secured.

To Recap: Essential Moves Before Handing Over the Keys

• Settle Accounts with Utilities and Services: Notify providers of your move and arrange for mail forwarding.
• Leave a Helpful Handover Package: Manuals, warranties, and all house-related keys should be left for the new owners.
• Leave It Clean: A general cleaning shows respect for the new occupants, ensuring they arrive to a tidy home.
• Last Look Around: Prevent post-move panic by doing a thorough final inspection, securing the property and making sure everything is in order.

By following through with these steps, you not only facilitate a smoother transition for the new homeowners but also wrap up your sale with integrity and peace of mind. It’s the perfect way to close one chapter and begin another.