When selling a home, as in when buying, please remember to talk to an experienced attorney first before signing anything. If you are going to use the services of a real estate agent, be sure to have your attorney review the listing agreement or any other items that the real estate may ask you to sign.

Once you have found someone you wish to sell your home to, it is time to retain the services of an attorney. It is strongly recommended that you don’t use an attorney that is recommended by any party to the sale, for example the real estate agent. The proper selection of an attorney is essential. You want to be sure that your attorney only has your best interest in mind.

When you retain your attorney it will be helpful if you bring your deed and survey. If at all possible, you should also be prepared with: 1) if you have a mortgage on your house, the current name of the bank or mortgage company, the address and your account number. We will need this to obtain a pay-off statement for the closing; 2) Your Title Insurance Policy.

You should inform your attorney of the date you would like to close on the sale (when you desire to actually move). Although a closing date will most likely be stated in the contract, these closing dates are not mandatory dates. They are approximations of when the closing will take place. Very often, the closing will take place shortly afterwards or, if both parties agree, shortly before.

If you have an oil tank, shortly before the closing you must have the oil company come and measure the amount of oil in the tank and give you a written statement as to what is left in the tank. Without this written statement, you will not be able to get a credit at the closing from the buyers.

Call for a water meter reading (if applicable) so that you can get a final bill from the city. Try to pay the final bill and bring a receipted bill to the closing. Have any other meters read prior to closing. Contact all utility companies to advise them to switch the service into the buyer's names.

Contact your insurance broker to cancel your Homeowners policy after the closing, since you may be entitled to a refund of part of your premium.

Your home may be a house, or condominium, or cooperative apartment. Remember that each of these different types of homes require different considerations when selling.

If you choose us to represent you in the sale of your home, we will do our best to make your real estate transaction as simple and uncomplicated as possible.