This series, Selling Your Home Made Easy, is a step-by-step guide that covers everything you need to know to sell your home in today’s market—from finding the right agent to getting through settlement day. 

The big day is finally here. You’re about to close the sale of your home and hand over the keys to the new owners. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and maybe even a little nostalgia. 

To keep this day running smoothly and avoid any last-minute stress, here’s what you need to know and prepare ahead of time. 

Pre-Closing Tasks to Complete 

• Complete any agreed-upon repair work at least 3 to 5 business days before closing. The buyers will likely schedule their final walk-through within this timeframe. 

• Be moved out by 9 p.m. on the day of closing, unless you have a signed rental agreement in place with the buyers. 

• Cancel or transfer utilities effective on the closing date. 

• Cancel your homeowner’s insurance policy starting on the closing date. 

• End any recurring home-related services like cable, internet, alarm systems, lawn care, or cleaning services. 

• Cancel automatic payments tied to the home so you don’t get charged after the sale. 

• Contact your lender to provide a forwarding address so they can send you any remaining escrow funds. 

What to Bring to Closing 

• A valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. 

• All house keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys, and anything else the buyer will need for access. Your broker will just need one key to provide access after closing. 

• Your bank account information or a voided check so the escrow company can wire your sale proceeds. 

What to Expect the Week Before and on Closing Day 

Closing day is when the transaction is finalized. All funds are transferred, the property is legally recorded in the buyer’s name, your mortgage is paid off, and any remaining proceeds are sent to you. 

In Washington, buyers and sellers do not sign at the same time or in the same room. Each party signs documents separately—usually several days before closing. 

If you’ll be out of town the week before closing, we’ll need to plan in advance. Signing can take place at the escrow office or with a mobile notary. If you’ll be out of the country, we’ll need extra time to prepare, so be sure to let me know early. Last-minute surprises can be avoided with a simple conversation ahead of time. 

The escrow company handles the transaction details and makes sure both parties follow the terms of the contract. They are neutral and do not represent the buyer or seller—they only represent the terms you both agreed to. 

If you’re planning to use the proceeds of this sale for your next home, those funds can be wired directly to the escrow company handling your purchase. Using the same company for both closings can help things run more smoothly. 

Congratulations… You Sold Your Home! 

This is the final article in the Selling Your Home Made Easy series. You’ve made it from start to finish, and I hope you’ve learned that selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be clear, manageable, and even exciting when you’re prepared. 

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the coming year, I would love to be one of the agents you interview. I’m happy to walk you through what to do (and what not to worry about), talk strategy, and show you how my marketing approach helps sellers walk away with more money and less stress. 

Feel free to email me anytime so we can set up a time to talk about what comes next. 

And don’t miss next week’s bonus article: How to Buy and Sell at the Same Time. It’s full of useful tips if you’re planning to sell your current home and move into a new one. 

As always, I am your go-to resource for all things real estate.