Selling your house can feel like reaching the finish line after a marathon. The long journey from deciding to sell to finally handing over the keys can be strenuous, and when it’s over, there is a profound sense of accomplishment. But is it the end of the road? Actually, it’s not. The post-sale period comes with its own set of logistics that you need to manage carefully. Here’s a checklist on what to do after selling your house.
Wrapping up financial matters
First and foremost, ensure that all the financial aspects related to the sale of your house are complete and clear. This includes finalising the mortgage, settling with your solicitor, and ensuring all the funds from the sale are securely deposited into your bank account. It is essential to keep all records of the sale, as you will likely need them for future tax returns.
Address change notifications
After the sale, one of the initial steps you should take is to notify relevant parties of your change of address. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Utility providers
- The post office for mail forwarding
- Medical practitioners and insurance companies
- Electoral register
Remember, missing a single important letter due to a change of address can result in significant headaches down the line.
Photo by Sergei Sushchik on Unsplash
Final utility meter readings
Before you leave your house for the last time, record all the utility meter readings—gas, water, and electricity. These readings are vital to ensure you are billed only for what you have used and not for the usage by the new homeowner.
Deep cleaning
Although not always mandatory, leaving the house in a clean and presentable state is a courteous and often appreciated gesture. Some sellers arrange for professional cleaning services to give the house a deep clean after they’ve moved all their belongings.
In some cases, the post-sale logistics can be significantly simplified. For instance, when you sell your home to a company offering quick cash sales like We Buy Any Home Swansea, many of the burdensome aspects of selling a home are alleviated. These services are designed to make the process as straightforward as possible, allowing you to move on to your next chapter with minimal fuss.
Handling leftover belongings
It’s possible that after moving, you might have items that you neither want to take with you nor leave in the house. In such cases, consider donating them to a local charity, selling them, or arranging for a junk removal service to dispose of them responsibly.
Cancel home insurance
After the sale is complete, don’t forget to cancel your home insurance or, if moving to a new property, update the details with your insurance provider. It is essential to keep your insurance in place until the sale is fully finalised to protect your interests.
Photo by Mindaugas Norvilas on Unsplash
Conduct final walk-through
Before handing over the keys, conduct a final walk-through of the property to ensure you haven’t left anything behind. This is your last chance to check that everything is as it should be, based on the agreements made during the sale.
Handing over the keys
Coordinate with your estate agent or the new homeowners to arrange for the handing over of the keys. Make sure you give them all copies, including those for garages or outbuildings.
Reflect and plan forward
Finally, after selling your house, take a moment to reflect. Selling a property, especially a home, is a big step. Consider what you have learned from the process and how this knowledge can inform your future property transactions. Then, with a clear mind, plan your next steps, whether they involve purchasing a new home, renting, or perhaps something entirely different.
In conclusion, selling your house is a significant milestone, but the journey doesn’t end once the deal is sealed. The post-sale logistics are essential to navigate, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and the new homeowner. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for the journey that lies ahead after selling your property.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
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