
1. Address home inspection issues - The buyer will pay for a home inspection, which may uncover a variety of issues that they may ask you to correct or repair. You can preempt some of the issues by having your own home inspection completed prior to listing. This will give you an idea of the issues that may be raised later or minor issues that you can resolve prior to accepting an offer. Be sure to complete any agreed repairs prior to the date of closing and provide paid receipts to show that the required work has been done.
2. Review the property survey - The standard Illinois contracts require the seller to provide the buyer with a survey of the property. If you have an existing survey, you should be sure to review this survey to make sure that the boundaries of the property are defined correctly and there are no issues that may arise with the new survey. Some buyers, especially in cash deals, will accept the existing survey, if no new improvements have been made.
3. Get ready for the final walkthrough - Buyers will typically visit the home prior to closing to check the property and make sure repairs have been done. Be sure everything has been taken care of before this walkthrough and make sure no unexpected issues arise. If necessary, you may need to address issues the buyers find or negotiate a payment for problems they discover.
4. Review your settlement - Your closing documents will include a seller’s closing statement detailing the money being paid and received. Be sure to review this statement for accuracy including the payoff amounts of any of your loans or mortgages.
5. Bring documentation to closing - At closing, be sure to bring your photo ID, the paid receipts for repairs, and any information the buyer will need, such as codes to security systems.
6. Resolve last-minute details - If something is not in the same condition at walkthrough as it was when the offer was accepted, that item will need to be resolved at the closing table, or the closing may need to be postponed.
7. Be prepared to pay closing costs - You will typically be required to pay for certain items, such as commissions for real estate agents, outstanding property taxes or utility bills, and related fees, including title fees and attorney’s fees. Your realtor or attorney should inform you of the exact amount that you will need to pay at closing.
8. Transfer utilities - Utilities should be kept active until after the closing, at which point you can transfer service to the buyer.
9. Cancel homeowner’s insurance - Once closing is complete, you can cancel your homeowner’s insurance policy. You may receive a refund for any remaining months which you have already paid.
10. Keep your paperwork in a safe place - Be sure to keep all of the papers from the closing in a place where you can easily access them in case any questions or issues arise.
Contact a Riverwoods Residential Real Estate Attorney
If you have any questions about the processes followed during your home closing, or if you need an attorney’s assistance when selling your home, contact a Kenilworth real estate lawyer at Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC. Call our office at 847-934-6000 to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
https://www.homelight.com/blog/closing-checklist/
https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/closing-on-house-for-seller/
https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/what-to-expect-at-the-closing/