If repairs are agreed upon in the contract, they must be completed prior to closing.

We usually fax paid receipts from workmen to the buyer as soon as the work has been completed.

This will lower the buyer's anxiety about the status of repairs.

Usually buyers make an appointment for a "final walk through" your home just before closing to check the repairs and observe the condition of the house.

Utility Accounts (Coldwell Banker Concierge 1-877-846-5500)

About 5 days before closing it will be necessary to call your utility accounts and request a termination of service on the closing date.

We will pass this along to the buyers so they can set up their service on the same date.

You may want to use our free concierge service to disconnect your utilities.

Don't forget to terminate your property insurance after closing!

Prior to closing we will need your current mortgage information.

The title company will call for payoff information, and make the payoff of your loan(s) after they receive funds from the buyer.

Usually there are an extra few days included in the payoff to allow time for processing. Any overpayment will be refunded to you by the loan company.

Your share of the current year's taxes will be credited on the closing statement to the buyer from your proceeds of closing.

If you have an escrow reserve account for taxes and insurance, this will be refunded to you in its entirety several weeks after closing.

Here are estimates of typical seller's closing cost. I will help you compute your "net" prior to signing a contract.

Title Policy - (Go to www.gracytitle.com and click on the calculator on the left side of the screen.)

Real Estate Commission - Per your listing agreement.

Attorney Fees - For preparation of deed and release of liens - ($200)

Escrow Fee - Title company fee for closing - ($200)

Recording Fees - ($50)

Tax Certificates - ($35)

Courier - ($50)

FHA (seller's portion) - Only if buyer is getting an FHA loan - (+- $500)

1st Lien Payoff - Check loan balance

2nd Lien Payoff - Check loan balance.

Final Months Interest - Monthly mortgage payments are for the month past. At closing you pay the interest from 1st of month to closing date. (FHA loans charge 1 whole month.)

Current Year Taxes - You must pay your share at closing - from Jan. 1 to closing date. Your escrow account will not be tapped for these funds. It will be wholly refunded after closing.

HOA Dues - Any outstanding dues up to closing date must be paid. (If you have paid in advance, you will receive a credit.)

HOA Package - This is for subdivision info provided to buyer. (Cost varies between $0 - $150)

Home Service Contract - If agreed in contract. (usual range is $350 - 525)

Buyers Closing Costs - If agreed in contract.

A day or two before closing, the title company will prepare a statement showing your charges, credits and final proceeds. I will review this with you prior to attending closing.

After documents are signed, the closer must fax them to the lender for review. Funding of the loan may take place several hours later.

You may choose to have funds wired to your bank, have your check delivered, or return to pick it up.

Normally, the buyer receives keys and possession to your house upon funding of the loan.

The buyer and seller do not have to attend together, although many do. Sometimes sellers sign documents several days before the closing date if this is more convenient.

It is also possible for buyers or sellers to receive documents by overnight express and sign before a notary in another state.

Or, one spouse may get "power of attorney" to sign for the other. The goal is to make the process as convenient for the parties as possible.