Congrats – you’ve almost made it to closing! Here are 3 quick things to remember as you approach closing. More than likely, most will need to be addressed just before or after closing.
Forward Your Mail
This tip is especially important if you receive your mail at your home. The upside is it will put a temporary stop to junk mail (and likely have no use for). Downside – you’ll likely lose out on things like magazine subscriptions. More importantly, you’ll likely receive documents following the close by mail and need to ensure these land in your hands. The really great part is that this task can be completed online. Information can be found here on the USPS site. Do remember that some places (banks especially) will have their own process for updating your information.
Cancel (or transfer) Utilities
Following closing, you’ll want to cancel electric, water, gas, cable and internet along with any other utility accounts. If you will remain in your community – or under the auspices of your current utility provider(s) – then you’ll need to update your address accordingly.
Inform Your Tax Professional
Selling a home can come with tax implications for sellers. Assuming you work with a tax professional – before the end of the year, you’ll want to ensure they’re aware of your change in status. I suggest you do this before the end of the year on the chance you need to take any further actions before year end.
3 Quick Things to Remember at Closing
Hopefully these are all things you already had on your radar. If not – take the time to get the mail forwarded (and notify your banks/credit cards/etc.), close down accounts you no longer need and loop in your tax professional. There are so many moving parts when it comes time to close – it becomes easy to overlook the more obvious tasks.