Selling Your Home? Don’t Forget the Final Handoff

Getting a home under contract is a major milestone, but a successful sale isn’t quite finished when the negotiations are over. As closing approaches, there are a number of small details that can make the transition easier for both the seller and the new owner.

The National Association of REALTORS® recently published a helpful Seller Handoff Checklist covering information and items homeowners may want to organize before turning over the keys.

For sellers in Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet and throughout the Grand Strand, this final step is especially worth thinking through. Coastal homes, condos, second homes and vacation properties often have equipment, HOA information, service providers and property-specific details that may not be obvious to a new owner.

What Should a Seller Prepare for the Buyer?

A thoughtful handoff might include:

  • Keys and access information: door and mailbox keys, garage remotes, gate or keypad information, and instructions for resetting keyless-entry systems.
  • Appliance and system information: manuals, warranties and available service information for appliances, HVAC equipment and other major systems.
  • Smart-home technology: instructions for thermostats, cameras, security systems and other connected devices, including transferring or removing the seller's account where appropriate.
  • Important home details: locations of water shutoffs and electrical panels, paint colors, specialty switches or information about custom features.
  • Exterior systems: useful information about pools, irrigation, exterior lighting or other equipment requiring regular maintenance.
  • Utilities and service providers: contact information for utilities and companies that have serviced or maintained the property.
  • HOA or community information: relevant association contacts and other information that may be useful to the incoming owner.
  • Extra materials: after checking with the buyer, leftover paint, flooring, tile or specialty replacement items can sometimes be useful to leave behind.

A Small Amount of Preparation Can Go a Long Way

None of these items replaces the documents and information handled through the actual real estate closing. Instead, think of the handoff as the practical information that helps the new owner understand and operate the property once it becomes theirs.

NAR also reminds sellers to take care of final moving details such as forwarding mail and arranging for the home to be cleaned after moving out.

You can review NAR's complete Consumer Guide: Seller Handoff Checklist here:

View the NAR Seller Handoff Checklist

Thinking About Selling on the Grand Strand?

The handoff is only one part of a successful home sale. Long before closing, there are decisions involving pricing, property preparation, marketing, showings, offers, inspections, negotiations and coordinating the closing process.

If you're considering selling a home or condo in Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet or elsewhere along the Grand Strand, I can help you build a plan around your specific property and your goals.

 

Dan Sine, REALTOR®
Dunes Realty Sales
📱 843-455-6319
🌐 DanSineRealtor.com