Seller Closing Checklist
What sellers need to know about moving out, cleaning the property, leaving attached items, and preparing the home for the buyer.
The Short Answer
Unless the purchase agreement provides otherwise, sellers should be completely moved out and the property should be clean, empty, and ready for the buyer when possession is delivered at closing. Items that are attached to the home or land generally remain unless the signed agreements say otherwise. Sellers should ask before removing fixtures, mounted items, trees, shrubs, flowers, or anything else attached to or growing on the property.
Closing Day Is Almost Here
Congratulations! Your home is under contract, and you are almost to the finish line.
As closing approaches, many sellers have questions about when they need to move out, what stays with the home, what may be removed, and whether unwanted belongings can be left for the buyer.
Preparing ahead of time helps prevent last-minute surprises during the buyer’s final walk-through and makes closing day smoother for everyone involved.
A clean, empty home that is ready for the buyer helps closing day go smoothly for everyone.
Plan to Be Completely Moved Out Before Closing
One of the most common questions sellers ask during the final week is, “How long after closing do we have to move out?”
If the buyer is receiving possession at closing, the seller should be completely moved out before the closing appointment. Sellers should not assume they will automatically have additional hours or days after the documents are signed.
RealTeam Reminder
If you believe you will need additional time to move, contact your REALTOR® as early as possible. Any arrangement for possession after closing should be addressed in writing and agreed to by all parties.
1. Leave the Home Clean and Empty
The home should be broom-swept clean, with all personal property and debris removed from both the inside and outside of the property.
Remember to check and empty areas such as:
- Garages and carports
- Attics and closets
- Porches and patios
- Storage rooms
- Storage buildings and sheds
- The yard and other outdoor areas
Anything you intend to keep should be removed before possession is delivered. Do not leave unwanted furniture, paint cans, building materials, household items, or other belongings unless the buyer has agreed in writing that they may remain.
2. Mow the Grass Shortly Before Closing
The grass should be mowed and the yard reasonably maintained immediately before closing. This helps ensure that the exterior is in the condition the buyer expects when taking possession.
3. Keep the Utilities On
Utilities should remain connected through the close of business on the first business day after closing, unless your contract or closing instructions provide otherwise.
Keeping electricity and water connected allows the buyer to complete the final walk-through and gives the buyer a brief opportunity to transfer the utilities into their name without interruption.
4. Leave Items That Convey With the Property
The listing agreement, purchase agreement, property disclosure, and any signed addenda determine which items remain with the home.
Items that are permanently attached generally remain unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. Examples may include:
- Bathroom vanity mirrors
- Curtain rods
- Window blinds and shades
- Light fixtures
- Ceiling fans
- Attached shelving
- Other permanently installed fixtures
If the property disclosure or purchase agreement states that kitchen appliances or other specific items remain with the home, those items should not be removed.
5. Handle TV Wall Mounts Properly
If a TV mounting bracket is attached to the wall, it should either remain with the home or be properly removed.
If the bracket is removed, the wall should be patched and repainted to match. Removing the bracket and leaving holes, anchors, or damaged paint is not considered a completed repair.
6. Ask Before Removing Attached Items
Before removing anything that is screwed into a wall, mounted, built in, anchored, or otherwise attached to the home or land, contact your REALTOR® first.
This may include:
- Mounted televisions or brackets
- Decorative mirrors
- Attached shelving
- Outdoor lighting
- Mailbox posts
- Play equipment
- Other anchored outdoor items
It is much easier to clarify whether something may be removed before it is taken down or damaged.
7. Trees, Shrubs, Flowers and Other Planted Items
Trees, shrubs, flowers, rose bushes, bulbs, ornamental grasses, fruit trees, and other plants growing in the ground are generally considered part of the real property.
Before digging up, transplanting, cutting down, or removing anything planted or growing on the property, please contact your REALTOR® first.
Sellers sometimes assume they can remove a favorite rose bush, tree, or other plant because they purchased it or planted it themselves. However, the buyer may reasonably expect those items to remain with the property.
Sometimes removal is acceptable if the buyer and seller agree. Other times, the item must remain. Any agreement allowing removal should be made before the item is disturbed and should be documented in writing.
Asking first can prevent misunderstandings, damage to the property, and delays during the buyer’s final walk-through or immediately before closing.
Do Not Leave Items the Buyer Has Not Agreed to Keep
Sellers sometimes assume that the buyer may want leftover furniture, equipment, paint, supplies, building materials, or household items.
Even useful or valuable items may become a problem if the buyer did not agree to accept them. Ask before leaving anything behind.
Gather Keys, Remotes and Access Information
Before closing, gather all keys, remotes, codes, and access devices that belong with the property so they can be delivered to the buyer.
These may include:
- House keys
- Garage door openers
- Gate remotes
- Mailbox keys
- Storage building keys
- Pool or equipment keys
- Alarm and security information
- Any other access device belonging to the property
Before You Leave for Closing, Double-Check That:
- All personal belongings have been removed
- The home has been broom-swept clean
- Storage buildings and outdoor areas are empty
- Trash and debris have been removed
- The yard has been freshly mowed
- Items that convey have been left in place
- Landscaping and planted items have not been removed
- Utilities are still connected
- Keys and remotes are ready
- The property is ready for the buyer
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Every property and every transaction is a little different. Before removing an attached or planted item, leaving personal property behind, or making plans to remain in the home after closing, please ask us.
We would much rather answer a quick question beforehand than discover an issue during the buyer’s final walk-through.
Every real estate transaction is unique. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace or supersede the terms of any signed purchase agreement, listing agreement, addendum, disclosure, closing document, or other contract. If anything in this article differs from the written terms of your transaction, the signed contracts and agreements govern. Please contact your REALTOR® or closing attorney with questions about your specific transaction.