DAY OF CLOSING
OK, we've sold the place—we’ve finished sprucing up, haggling, reading and signing, now what?
If you're like most sellers, you’ve stop mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, doing minor repairs and kicking the neighbor's dog you never liked.
DON'T DO THIS!! This is Miami and the neighbor is heavily armed and until your HUD 1 is signed by all parties in the transaction, you are still responsible for upkeep of the home.
But you can at least prepare to move. Can you say GARAGE SALE? The more you get rid of, the less the movers have to pack (and, as an added bonus, you can make some cash).
Some other little things you should do to make moving stress free.
Prepare change of address forms; financial information should be a priority.
Turn off all utilities effective closing date (Word of advice, make sure you're really closing prior to doing this).
In South Florida, these are the cast of characters that are involved in this.
Florida Power and Light
Miami-Dade Water and Sewer
Bell South
Cable provider-pick your poison:
Comcast
Direct TV
Dish Network
Why no detail list for a Sellers closing day?
Simple, seller can sign their closing docs prior to “official” closing. Heck, they don’t even have to be at the closing—it’s called a mail away.
Sellers only execute a few documents, with the “Bill of Sale” and the “Warranty Deed” being the main ones.
Seller’s can assign a limited power of attorney to anyone they trust (even their Realtor) to execute their HUD 1.
In other words—Seller is selling (getting dough). Buyer is Buying (handing out dough) hence the discrepancy in paperwork.
So go, close and now you can go kick the neighbor's dog—just remember to duck.
Still have questions? Drop me a note at javiergonzalezpa@bellsouth.net or call me at 305.582.5085.
