- June 22, 2018
- Thomas Adam
- Real Estate
Over the past few years the Florida real estate market has fluctuated wildly, creating apprehension for both buyers and sellers. In 2017, the market experienced a strong rebound, making it possible for sellers to benefit from rising property values. Sellers who want to benefit from the pricing increase and slight inventory decrease are eager to list their properties, expecting a quick sale. Unfortunately, even in a seller-friendly market it is possible for a small oversight to sour or completely ruin a potential sale. Reviewing this pre-closing checklist for sellers will help avoid a few common, yet serious, mistakes that could cost you a sale.
Confirm What Stays
Items such as appliances or decorations that are considered fixtures are usually included with the sale of the house unless otherwise noted in your contract. However, it is easy for people to mistake personal property for fixtures, leading to issues when the buyer is walking through the home prior to closing or when getting insurance. Before taking down a chandelier, removing a decorative mirror, or breaking down a pet fence, make sure the item you are preparing to move is yours and not a fixture. Double checking your contract or talking to your realtor is an easy way to avoid a lot of trouble in the immediate future.
Check Septic Systems and Wells
A home that has its own source of well water and a septic system might be attractive to buyers who want to be at least partially off the grid, but that attraction can quickly turn into disgust if systems start malfunctioning. Always take the time to make sure these systems are inspected and functioning correctly. While the buyer might also be required to do their own test, having your own inspection completed keeps you from second-guessing things or getting a nasty surprise in the form of a septic tank backing up into a newly cleaned house.
Schedule Cancelations
The last thing you want to do is pay for services you no longer need or risk having your utility bills run up by the new property owner. Schedule cancellation dates with your utility companies, property insurance, and maintenance companies. Setting up the end of these services in advance decreases your chances of forgetting to do so in the middle of a hectic home sale. Also, having a decent interval of time between cancellation and the house going under contract gives you some room to maneuver in the event the home sale does not go through and you need to keep your accounts open.
Get Extra Help
Closing for a seller is a stressful, time consuming process that you do not have to go through alone. The assistance of a qualified real estate attorney can aid both sellers and their real estate agents through every step of the home selling process. The team at Adam Law Group is here to provide the legal advice and representation you need. Contact our conveniently located Jacksonville, Florida office today to schedule a consultation.