—— Selling a home in Boston · Closing prep

Your closing checklist.

Closing day is close. Here’s everything to take care of in the last few weeks, from paperwork and utilities to cleaning and keys. Check things off as you go, and call us with any questions.

Print this checklist All steps, offer to closing →

Paperwork & accounts

Sign your deed and power of attorney You don’t need to attend the closing unless you’d like to. Your attorney will send Deed and Power of Attorney documents so they can sign closing papers for you. These need to be notarized, and our team can help arrange that. Transfer your utilities Schedule your utilities to end on closing day. The buyer can’t open new accounts until yours have a scheduled end date.

The house

Finish any agreed repairs If you agreed to repairs after the home inspection, we’ll line up the right contractors to get them done. Leave fixtures in place A fixture is anything attached to the home and meant to be permanent: light fixtures, ceiling fans, curtain rods and blinds. Fixtures stay with the home unless the listing excluded them. Curtains usually go with you. If you plan to take a fixture you didn’t disclose, tell us first. Patch holes Nail and picture-hook holes count as normal wear and tear, but please remove the nails and hooks. Screw holes and anything larger need to be patched and painted. Taking a wall-mounted TV bracket? Let us know, and patch those holes too, unless the buyer wants it left.

Moving out

Book your movers The buyer’s final walkthrough is usually the morning of closing, so you’ll need to be fully moved out by the day before at the latest. Clear out the basement Empty the basement or storage unit of all personal belongings. If you’re leaving useful items like extra paint or spare tiles, tell us and we’ll ask the buyer first. Clean the home The home needs to be “broom clean,” but we recommend a thorough cleaning since some buyers are particular at the walkthrough: floors cleaned, surfaces dusted, kitchen appliances and bathrooms cleaned, and cabinets and drawers emptied. We’re happy to book a professional cleaner. Leave keys and manuals Leave spare keys, garage door openers and remotes inside the home, along with appliance manuals and warranties if you have them. Arborview will get our set of keys to the buyer once the sale is official.

The last step

The final walkthrough.

Usually just before closing, the buyer and their agent walk through the home to confirm it’s clean, empty and in the condition they expect, with no new damage. If everything on this list is done, you’re ready.

—— Questions we hear

Getting ready for closing day

What does “broom clean” mean when selling a house?

Broom clean means the home is empty of belongings and debris, with floors swept and surfaces reasonably clean. Many buyers expect more at the final walkthrough, so a thorough cleaning of floors, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, cabinets and drawers is a good idea.

Do curtains, blinds and light fixtures stay when you sell a house?

Fixtures, meaning anything attached and meant to be permanent such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, curtain rods and blinds, stay with the home unless the listing excluded them. Curtains themselves usually go with the seller.

Do I have to patch nail holes before closing?

Small nail and picture-hook holes are normal wear and tear; just remove the nails and hooks. Screw holes and larger holes, including from TV mounts, should be patched and painted.

When should I cancel my utilities when selling my home?

Schedule them to end on closing day. The buyer can’t open new accounts until yours have a scheduled end date.

When do I need to be moved out before closing?

By the day before closing at the latest. The buyer’s final walkthrough is usually the morning of closing, and the home needs to be empty.