Closing Day Tips for Sellers
As seller, there are a number of to-do items that need to be done prior to and/or on closing day. Here is a checklist:
Contact Your Lawyer and Sign the Papers
Contact your lawyer to ensure that everything is in good order to close the transaction. If any repairs on the property needed to be done, make sure that these are completed prior to closing day. Review the Agreement documents to make sure that all conditions that require action on your part are satisfied.
Contact Utilities, Telephone, and Cable Companies
Contact these companies to let them know that you will be transferring or removing the services. Arrange to have utility meters read on closing day, so it can be accounted for in the Statement of Adjustments (part of the closing fees for the buyer).
Contact Your Home Insurance Agent
Arrange for home insurance cancellation or transfer (to your new home).
Arrange for Moving Time and Logistics
Book a moving truck and helpers (if required). If you live in or will be moving into a condominium, contact the condo management office to book a moving elevator at a pre-determined date and time window.
Contact Companies to Change Your Address
Don’t forget to contact the various utility and subscription providers to inform them of your move and change in address and telephone number (if applicable). This includes Internet, cable TV, newspaper, phone, utility, and other suppliers and companies that need to update your address and personal information in their systems (such as banks, credit card companies, doctors’ offices, government departments for driver’s license and health card).
Set up a Mail Forwarding Service with Canada Post
You might also want to set up a temporary mail forwarding service with Canada Post, so any mails that are directed for you and sent to your old address will be automatically forwarded / re-routed to your new address (perhaps for the first 1-3 months after you move). Canada Post provides this service for a fee.
Prepare the Keys
Have the set of keys ready to hand over to the lawyer / agent, to be passed on to the buyer’s lawyer at closing.
Related article: Closing Day Tips for Buyers