Once you have a signed Purchase and Sales Agreement with a buyer, there’s often a waiting period before closing. There may be some contingencies to be cleared, such as the mortgage commitment. Once that is resolved, it’s a matter of packing up and getting ready for the actual closing. There are a few MA home seller tasks before closing that you must not forget.
Set Aside Important Items
Before you start packing, put aside any items that you may want to give to the new buyers. This includes appliance manuals, warranties, garage remotes, extra keys, etc. These may be difficult to find later, once the boxes pile up in your home.
Cancel Utilities & Services
Call your utility companies to schedule cancellations. This way, you won’t continue to be billed for usage after closing. Keep in mind that some companies require advanced noticed so they can come out and take a meter reading, so don’t wait until the last minute!
Think about other service providers that you may need to notify. This includes providers of lawn maintenance, winter plowing, gardeners, pool cleaners, heating system servicers, etc. If you have prepaid for any services, inquire as to whether credits can be transferred to your new home.
Forward Your Mail
Have the post office forward mail to your new address. This ensures that you won’t miss any important mail. It also gives you time to contact the companies that send you mail and provide them with your new address. Mail forwarding can be done online up to the day before your closing.
Cancel Property Tax Payments
If your property tax bill is due around the same time as your closing, contact your mortgage company to cancel that payment. The closing attorney will typically obtain information on the taxes due and will include payment as part of the closing. You should verify this with the closing attorney beforehand. If it is indeed going to be paid at closing, then any payment sent by your mortgage company around the same time will be a duplicate. It will be extremely difficult to get those funds back from the city or town.
Other MA Home Seller Tasks Before Closing
Coordinate with your real estate agent on any other seller tasks that you may need to complete before closing. Smoke inspections and final water-sewer bills are common items needed. If you have propane or gas heat, you may want to pull out your latest bill and take a reading of the tank level shortly before closing (so that the buyer can reimburse you for any fuel left in the tank).
