Prepare For The Closing and Tips for Moving

Additional Items May Be Needed At The Closing . . .

Discuss with our agent what items you’ll need to bring to the closing. While certain items will be helpful to the agent to have when putting your property up for sale, prior to closing, confirm any additional items necessary for you to bring to the closing.

KEYS —Gather all keys for the house, garage, doors, etc. Soon you will need to turn these over to the new owner.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS —All manuals and warranties should be kept in one place. These include instructions for the air-conditioning and heating equipment, all appliances, water heater, garage door opener, pool equipment, etc.

UTILITY BILLS —Have copies made of the previous 12 months of utility bills and a monthly average of each utility estimated for the prospective buyer.

HAZARD INSURANCE —Keep fire and extended coverage insurance on the property through the closing date or date of possession, whichever is specified in the contract. Please note that the “contents” portion of your policy may be inadequate during transit of household goods to the new home. Moving companies’ liability could be inadequate. You could make the cancellation date of your previous policy the same as the effective date of your new policy.

EXISTING MORTGAGE —Have existing loan information and payment book available.

TAXES —Copy of most recent tax statement.

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION —Provide information regarding Homeowners Association and/or Restrictive Covenants.

FLOOR PLAN/SURVEY —Check real estate papers for availability of house floor plan and copy of previous survey.

LEASES —Provide the agent with a copy of any existing lease agreements currently in effect.

Tips For A Smooth Move

Planning Is The Key . . .

Even if your move is within the same general area, there are several actions that can expedite the procedure.

• — If you intend to use a moving company, make arrangements as soon as possible.
• — A month before the move, fill out change of address forms for the post office, the IRS and any others that need to be notified, including families and friends.
• — Don’t wait to tell your children about the move. The sooner they know the better. Children need time to adjust to the idea. Provide plenty of affirmation that the move is for the best.
• — Notify doctors, dentists, veterinarian, and insurance agents. Obtain copies of important records. Fill prescriptions needed.
• — Contact utilities, phone, and cable services regarding discontinuing services. Arrange for new services at new location.
• — Make necessary financial arrangements, including transfer of accounts (checking, savings, other).
• — Take inventory of your belongings before they’re packed in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or videotape your belongings.
• — Secure valuables, jewelry, safe deposit box items, and important documents to take with you.
• — Empty fluids from lawn equipment, hoses, etc.
• — Dispose of anything flammable, including gas cans, paint cans, chemicals, etc.
• — If necessary, make special arrangements for transporting pets. You can take cats and dogs in your car, but remember to put down newspapers or sheets to keep your car clean. Animals can get carsick and may require stops along the way, so take along a leash, food and water. Other small pets, such as birds and hamsters, can easily be taken in the car. Cover their cages to help keep them calm. It can be risky to move fish. Better get recommendations from your local pet store or other expert on how to move your type of fish.
• — Plants also need special care. You should prune your plants a couple of weeks before the move to facilitate packing. Place the plants in cardboard containers with packing material to hold them in place. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a wet paper on top to keep them moist. Mark the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car. Unpack the plants as soon as possible when you arrive. Remove plants through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the steams.
• — Pack for your personal move; clothing, linens, personal affects and items needed upon move-in.
• — Empty refrigerator, clean and place baking soda inside to keep it smelling fresh.

rash and garbage should be removed from the home and garage. Open containers are unsightly as well as giving off odors.

PETS —Try to keep pets outside during a home inspection.

AGENTS —Turn your house over to the agent for showings. Trust their professional abilities. All showings should be scheduled and documented through the listing agent/office.

PEOPLE —While all prospective buyers must be accompanied through the home, family and guests should leave when possible to allow the agent to show the home without the buyer feeling hurried. Should you be present during the showing, remain in the background. The agent should know your property and the needs of the prospective buyer and be able to answer any questions.

DON’T APOLOGIZE —Remember not to apologize for the appearance of your home. If you’ve done the best you can, buyers understand that they may be viewing the home at a time that may be inconvenient to you.

PICK UP EVERYWHERE —Keep clutter off counter tops, disregard old newspapers and magazines, remove excess furniture.