Have an accepted offer on your home? Congratulations!
When you’re selling a home in Massachusetts, there are a handful of steps you’ll need to take before the closing. Here’s a handy checklist:
Hire a real estate attorney. You’ll want a real estate attorney to draft the purchase & sale agreement and to represent you at the closing so you can make sure someone is on your side protecting your interests in the transaction.
Get a title V certificate. If you’re selling a home in Dover, Holliston, Sherborn, Sudbury, or another community with a private septic system, you’ll need to call a septic company and have them come to check out the septic system. If it’s found in working order they’ll issue you a title V certificate, which you’ll give to your closing attorney.
Get a smoke certificate. Call the fire department and schedule an inspection of your smoke detectors and CO detectors. Usually this is done within 30 days of the closing. If they’re found in working order, the fire department will issue you a smoke certificate, which you’ll give to your closing attorney. (Note: The smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements were updated in 2010, so many homes will need to update their detectors. Get a copy of the latest requirements from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services or your local fire department.
Get a final water meter reading. If your home is on town water, call town hall to schedule a final water meter reading a few days before the closing. This way you’ll be reimbursed by the buyers if you already paid this year’s water bill.
Call utility providers. Notify them of the closing date so they know when to cancel your service.
Congratulations! You’re on your way to moving on!
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