Congratulations, you’ve accepted an offer on your home! While the hard work of preparing, pricing, and marketing is done, the closing process requires a final push of coordination and attention to detail. The path from accepted offer to a final, sealed deal involves a number of crucial steps, including inspections, appraisals, and legal documentation. This friendly home selling guide will walk you through the final phase of the selling process, ensuring a smooth and efficient closing in 2025, and helping you prepare for a seamless transition to your next chapter.

Inspections and Appraisals

After your offer is accepted, the buyer will typically conduct inspections and their lender will order an appraisal.

• **Home Inspection:** The buyer’s inspection is a detailed review of your home’s condition. If you conducted a pre-listing inspection, you may have already addressed any major issues, which can make this process smoother. Your agent will help you respond to any requests for repairs or credits that arise from the inspection.
• **Appraisal:** The buyer’s lender will hire an appraiser to determine the home’s value. The appraisal must align with the sale price to secure the loan. If the appraisal comes in low, your agent will help you negotiate with the buyer to find a solution, which could involve adjusting the price.

Title and Escrow

Once the contingencies from the inspection and appraisal are met, the sale moves into escrow. A title company or escrow agent will handle the transfer of funds and documentation. They will perform a title search to ensure there are no liens or other legal issues with the property. This process ensures that the transfer of ownership is clean and legal.

Final Walkthrough and Closing Checklist

Just before closing, the buyer will typically conduct a final walkthrough of the property. This is their chance to ensure the home is in the same condition as when they made their offer and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed. Your agent will provide you with a closing checklist to ensure all final tasks are completed, including transferring utilities and preparing all necessary documentation.

Closing Day

Closing day is the culmination of the entire process. You will sign all the necessary legal documents at the title company or attorney’s office. Once all documents are signed and funds are transferred, the sale is official, and the ownership of the property is transferred to the new buyer. Your agent will guide you through the process, ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Prepare for Your Move

As you prepare for closing, start planning your move.

• **Transfer Utilities:** Coordinate with your utility companies to transfer or disconnect services on the day of closing.
• **Change Your Address:** File a change of address with the postal service and update your address with all necessary institutions.
• **Clean Up:** While cash buyers accept homes as-is, leaving the home clean and tidy is a considerate gesture.

The closing process can be a busy time, but with careful planning and the guidance of your real estate agent, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Following this guide will ensure you’re prepared for the final steps and ready to begin your next chapter with confidence.