Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but a closing checklist for sellers helps keep everything on track. From gathering documents to scheduling the final walk-through and coordinating with your agent, lender, and buyer, it ensures a smoother, less stressful process.
Whether you’re selling a home in Cedar Falls, IA, Morgantown, WV, or Flagstaff, AZ, this Redfin guide will walk you through a comprehensive closing checklist for sellers and explain why each step is crucial to completing a smooth, successful sale.]
Pre-closing preparations
The best way to avoid anything going wrong on closing day is to prepare well in advance. By reviewing agreements, finishing repairs, and organizing documents ahead of time, you’ll create the foundation for a seamless closing.
Review the purchase agreement
Review the purchase agreement carefully to ensure details like terms, contingencies, the closing date, and included items like appliances or fixtures are accurate and clearly understood.
Address inspection findings
Address any home inspection issues promptly by completing repairs, offering a credit at closing, or negotiating the sale price. Being proactive helps keep the transaction on track.
Schedule repairs and maintenance
Make sure any required repairs or maintenance are completed in advance to ensure your home is in good condition for the buyer.
Gather necessary documents
Collect key documents in advance to avoid last-minute stress. This often includes the deed, recent title report, mortgage payoff statement, and any warranties for appliances, systems, or recent renovations.
Notify utility providers
Coordinate with your utility providers regarding your move-out date. Ensure accounts are closed or transferred to avoid continued billing after the sale and to guarantee uninterrupted service for the buyer upon their move-in.
Coordinate with your lender
If you have a mortgage, contact your lender well in advance to request a payoff statement. This statement will detail the precise amount required to close your loan, including interest up to the closing date. Inquire about any potential prepayment penalties as well to prevent unexpected costs.
Final walkthrough preparation
Preparing for the final walkthrough and making sure the property meets the buyer’s expectations helps keep the sale on track. Use this checklist to move toward closing day with confidence.
- Ensure all agreed-upon repairs are completed with proof of work from receipts.
- Thoroughly clean the property to be move-in ready.
- All personal belongings and trash should be removed from the home, immediately.
- Leave behind any items included in the sale, such as appliances, fixtures, or outdoor equipment.
- Provide manuals and warranties for appliances, systems, or recent renovations.
- Double-check that any agreed-upon upgrades or improvements (like new light fixtures or appliances) are completed.
- Share alarm codes, smart home system instructions, and other access details with the new buyers
- Check that utilities are functional so the buyer can test them during the walkthrough.
- Secure the property by locking all doors and windows properly.
Closing day essentials
Closing day is the moment everyone’s been waiting for, so be sure you have everything you need to finalize the deal with this closing checklist for sellers.
- Bring required identification: A valid government-issued ID is required on the day of closing to prove verification. Confirm with your real estate agent if you will need multiple forms of ID.
- Review the closing disclosure: Double-check the sale price, prorated taxes, concessions, and closing closets meet your expectations.
- Sign the deed and other documents: Carefully review and sign the key closing documents. These may include affidavits, settlement statements, and property condition disclosures.
- Deliver access items: Hand over keys, garage door openers, gate passes, and remotes to the new homeowners.
- Confirm transfer of funds: Confirm with your lender or title company how and when you’ll receive your proceeds, then keep the transfer details on record.
- Confirm deed recording: Your closing agent or attorney will file the deed with the county to officially transfer ownership.
>> Read: Closing Documents for Sellers
Seller expenses at closing
On top of any remaining mortgage, sellers can typically expect to pay about 5–10% of the home’s sale price in closing costs. Common expenses include:
- Real estate commission (usually 3–6%)
- Taxes, utilities, and insurance
- Escrow, title, and attorney fees
- Warranty payment, if required
- HOA dues, if applicable
These are the typical costs, but your sale may include additional fees or paperwork. Your agent will guide you through what’s required.
After paying off your loan and agent commissions, you’ll receive a check for the remaining profit at closing. If the proceeds aren’t enough to cover costs, you may need to bring a check—ask your agent for the exact amount so you can prepare a cashier’s check if needed.
Post-closing actions
There are some steps you will need to take after closing day as a seller.
- Cancel homeowners insurance: Once the sale is recorded, cancel your homeowners insurance policy.
- Keep copies of closing documents: Properly store key documents, such as the settlement statement and deed for tax and record-keeping purposes.
- Notify change of address: Update your address with the USPS, banks, and any other relevant institutions.
- Transfer or close accounts: Close or transfer any local utility, subscription, or service accounts connected to the property.
- Confirm final financials: Confirm that your mortgage, property taxes, and other obligations have been paid off or prorated correctly.
FAQs: Closing checklist for sellers
1. Do I need to attend the closing in person, or can I sign remotely?
No, you don’t have to attend the closing in person and can sign remotely. Be sure to ask your agent or closing attorney about your options.
>> Read: Does the Seller Have to be Present at Closing?
2. Who pays closing costs when selling a home?
Closing costs are most often paid by the buyer, but sellers may choose to cover some or all of these expenses as part of negotiations. However, there are sometimes disadvantages for sellers paying the closing costs, such as reducing your net proceeds and potentially setting a precedent for further concessions.
3. How long does the closing process usually take?
The entire closing process can take several business days to finalize, however, closing day itself often takes less than an hour.
4. What happens if the buyer’s financing falls through before closing?
If the buyer can’t secure financing, the deal may be delayed or canceled depending on the terms of the contract. In many cases, the buyer forfeits their earnest money deposit if they fail to meet financing contingencies.
5. Will I owe taxes on the money I make from selling my home?
You may be subject to capital gains tax if the profit from your home sale exceeds IRS limits, though many homeowners qualify for exemptions. Keep track of selling expenses like agent commissions, certain repairs, and closing costs, as these can reduce your taxable gain.