YOUR AD HERE »

Brenda Kellen: What last minute things should I do before selling my home?

Brenda Kellen
Thoughts on Real Estate

Q. I am a seller closing on my house in a few days. What should I be doing?

A. Lots of little things and the one really big thing; moving out.

1. Utilities need to be switched from your name to the new buyers name. Call the electric/gas, phone and cable/satellite company to provide this information. Document who you speak with and note the date you called. The day of closing belongs to the buyer in Colorado, so the utilities are switched into the owners name starting on the day of closing.



2. Be in touch with the title company to be sure your settlement statement is prepared with correct information. Address and legal description, sales price, title policy charge including any endorsements, brokerage compensation, pro-rated taxes, title company closing fee, overnight fees. There are times when a few other debits and credits may be applied to the seller’s side of closing. Negotiated inspection repair concessions, home warranty cost, survey charges, and propane pro-ration are a few examples. The closing is a final settlement between buyer and seller and it is important to be sure your settlement statement is calculated correctly.

3. MOVING OUT – major obligation of the seller. This always takes longer than you expect. Prepare accordingly for the amount of personal property you need to get out of the house. There are provisions in the contract to compensate the buyer if the seller is not able to deliver possession of the property per the terms of the contract. Moving is stressful, overwhelming and just plain miserable, so be up for the challenge and just keep on packing.



4. Clean the home. Cleaning requirements may be stipulated in the contract. If not specifically addressed, it is assumed the home will be in broom clean condition. Cabinets wiped out, countertops wiped down, appliances cleaned, floors mopped/vacuumed. It is an extra bonus to the buyer if the seller takes the time to fill any picture holes left on the walls and touch-up paint the patches. The cleaning takes time so adjust your packing/moving schedule accordingly. Do not load the last box in the truck 15 minutes before heading to the title company to sign the papers. Plan for a few hours preparing the home for the new buyer.

5. Coordinate with the title company for a time of closing to sign your documents. You can arrange for an e-mail or overnight delivery of your package if you not in the area. This requires an extra couple days so plan ahead if you know you cannot attend a closing at the title company.

6. CELEBRATE! Selling a home is a BIG DEAL.

Brenda Kellen has been selling for over 10 years with Omni Real Estate and helps buyers and sellers in both Grand and Summit County. If you have questions/comments or need assistance, please e-mail brenda@tombrenda.com or call 970.485.1115.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.

Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.

If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.