Accepting an offer and signing the Purchase and Sale document is very exciting, but the real goal is a successful closing. Below is an important checklist for all sellers to follow. 1. Drawing the deed: It is the responsibility of the Seller to have the Deed prepared. It can be drawn by the Seller’s attorney or the Sellers can hire the attorney handling the closing for the bank to prepare it. This should be started about two weeks prior to closing. 2. Utility readings: Make calls 7-10 days prior to closing. Water: It is the responsibility of the Seller to present a paid water bill at the closing. The Seller should arrange for meter readings from the town water department to be taken one or two days prior to closing. The Seller then pays the bill in full and receives a paid receipt which must be presented at closing. Gas & Electric: As above. 3. Fuel Oil: If the home is heated by fuel oil, there are two methods of handling this item: a) The day of the closing, the Sellers can read the tank indicator, notify us of their per gallon purchase price and you reimburse them for the cost of the remainder in the tank. b) The Seller can have the tank “topped off” on the day before closing, pay the bill and be reimbursed for a full tank at closing. We highly recommend this option during winter months. 4. Smoke Detector Certificate: Seller should contact the local fire department to request an inspection of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and to obtain a certificate. This should be done 2-3 weeks prior to closing. You must have a smoke detector at the foot of each stairway and outside of the bedroom area. They all MUST be ceiling and NOT wall mounted in order to be certified. Carbon monoxide detectors MUST be wall mounted outside bedrooms and in finished basements. 5. Buyer Walk Through: Shortly before going to the closing, the buyer will request a “walk through.” The purpose of the walk through inspection is for the buyer to satisfy themselves that the property is in the same condition as it was when they agreed to purchase it. It is very important that the property be completely vacated, free of all personal possessions and broom clean for the walk through. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Wellesley, Weston, Needham or surrounding communities, please call me for more real estate tips for sellers and buyers!  Maureen McCaffrey
Office: 781-237-5000 Cell: 508-494-0811 email: mmccaffrey@PinnacleHouses.com | 
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