Seller Guide · Philadelphia Suburbs

    How Do I Get Ready for Closing Day as a Seller?

    Most closing day problems are really preparation problems that surfaced late. The week before closing has a short list of jobs, and none of them are hard if they are not left to the last day. This guide is your readiness plan for the final stretch.

    Get your closing checklist reviewedGet a Custom Plan
    Typical timeline: 7 days

    Step-by-Step

    1. 1

      Review the settlement numbers early

      Ask the title company for your seller settlement statement as soon as it is available, ideally a few days before closing. Check the sale price, payoff figures, commissions, taxes, and any credits you agreed to. Errors are much easier to fix before everyone is sitting at the table. If a number looks wrong, ask immediately rather than assuming it will work out.

    2. 2

      Finish repairs and gather receipts

      Any work you agreed to in the inspection addendum must be complete before the walkthrough, with paid receipts or invoices ready to share. Use licensed contractors where the agreement requires it. The buyer will check this work at the walkthrough, and missing receipts can delay closing even when the work is done.

    3. 3

      Leave the home in the promised condition

      The standard is typically broom-clean and empty of your belongings, with fixtures that were part of the sale still in place. Do not remove anything the contract includes, like appliances, window treatments, or mounted items, without checking. Keep electricity, water, and heat or air conditioning running through the walkthrough so systems can be tested.

    4. 4

      Bring what the day requires

      Bring a government-issued photo ID, all keys, garage openers, mailbox keys, alarm codes, and any manuals or warranty papers you are leaving for the buyer. If you are closing remotely, confirm the notary plan days in advance. After signing, the deed is recorded and your proceeds are disbursed by the method you chose with the title company.

    A Worked Example

    Hypothetical example: A Media seller reviews the settlement statement on Tuesday, spots a payoff figure that includes a loan already closed, and gets it corrected by Thursday. Movers finish Friday, the walkthrough Monday morning takes fifteen minutes, and closing wraps by noon.

    Your Checklist

    • Review the settlement statement days early
    • Complete agreed repairs and save receipts
    • Move out before the walkthrough
    • Keep utilities on through closing
    • Gather ID, keys, openers, and codes
    • Confirm proceeds delivery method

    Common Pitfalls to Avoid

    • Canceling utilities before the final walkthrough
    • Removing items the contract says stay
    • Seeing the settlement statement for the first time at the table

    Common Questions

    Often not. Many sellers sign in advance or use a mobile notary or power of attorney. Arrange it with the title company early so documents are ready in the right form.

    Empty of belongings, swept or vacuumed, with no trash left behind. It does not require professional cleaning unless your contract says so, but a clean home prevents walkthrough disputes.

    Before the buyer's final walkthrough, unless you have a written rent-back agreement. Plan movers for at least a day or two before closing to leave buffer for the unexpected.

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