Remember that our free concierge service is available to you. Just give them a call and request the service provider you need. They have:

A database of electricians, painters, plumbers, cleaning services, carpenters, roofers, etc.
Contacts with moving, storage and locksmith services.
Free utility hook up and disconnect service for our clients.

Buyers' expectations vary, but everybody wants to move into a clean home. Here is the general expectation:

All floors vacuumed or mopped.

Bathrooms cleaned.

Kitchens cleaned, including oven and all appliances.

Give special attention to "behind the refrigerator and washer/dryer."

Touch up paint on scuffs that happen during the move.

Spackle nail holes after pictures are taken down.

Repair any sheetrock damage that was hidden behind furniture.

Remove all trash from inside and outside the property.

Keep the yard mowed and pool maintained.

Garage, patios and walks should be swept.

Have carpet professionally cleaned if necessary.

Start cleaning out early, so you will not have a lot of trash left in the garage.

You should be completely out of the house, and ready to hand the keys to the buyers on closing day.

I can think of several instances where the sellers scheduled their move on closing day, and were still moving on the day after closing, much to the chagrin of the buyers.

It is best to have your move complete at least one day prior to closing. Moving is a big job, and moving companies seem to underestimate the time required.

This is a good time to get cleaning help, babysitting help, pizza delivery, etc. Starting early reduces the stress of moving.

Normally, the closing date and your buyer's possession date are the same. Sometimes, however, a special arrangement is made to give your buyers possession before closing, or to allow you to stay in the property after closing. We have two leases designed for this purpose. This lease should be negotiated with the contract to be sure that you and the buyer are in agreement on the lease terms.

We recommend against pre-possession by the buyer or delayed possession by the seller, unless absolutely necessary. This could open the door to a dispute about a repair issue.

Unlike regular leases, this lease obligates the "tenant" to pay for all repairs and maintenance. This means that if the AC compressor breaks down after closing (while you are still in the house under a seller's lease), you are obligated to repair it.

The ideal scenario is to give the keys to a clean, vacant house on closing day.

When possible, I try to arrange an "orientation" meeting with the buyers at your home prior to closing.

If this cannot be arranged, leave the new owners some helpful notes.

Buyers would appreciate knowing how to operate your sprinkler, security, pool and other systems.

Think of a few things that your buyers might be pleased to have - a neighborhood directory, babysitters, gardeners or workmen whom you have used. Do you have a cleaning person who would like to stay?

Have a drawer set aside for warranties, keys, garage-door openers and information. You may leave them your new phone number, in case they have a question later.

We have found that a bottle of wine and a personal note go a long way toward making your buyers feel good about their new home.

Remember the transaction is not over because escrow closes. Leaving the new owners a clean, well prepared home is a smart move.

Draw the floor plan of your new home to help you decide which furniture will be moved.

Begin using up food in your freezer and disposing of flammable household supplies that can't be moved.

Gather records from your doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountant, etc. and place in a safe, accessible place.

Make arrangements to transfer your children's school records.

Sell, transfer or resign all club or association memberships.

Save all moving receipts, as well as related expenses. Moving expenses may be tax deductible.

Get a change of address kit from post office and begin filling out the cards. Remember to notify the following:

Relatives, Friends, Accountant, IRS, All Insurance carriers, Banks, Clubs, Lawyer, Broker, Creditors, Magazines,

Catalogs, Doctor, Dentist, Credit Cards, Newspapers, former Employer

Make arrangements to store any items.

Clean or repair any furniture, carpets, or curtains that need it.

Hold a garage sale.

Return and retrieve borrowed items.

If you are packing yourself, find out how many boxes you'll need and where they may be purchased.

Contact the moving company or rental company to confirm previous moving arrangements.

Schedule final appointments for haircuts, manicures, massage, etc.

Begin packing items that you won't need. Remember to use newspapers only for cushioning and outer wrapping only. The ink can damage fine china. If you will be using a moving company, check with them prior to packing for any special requirements.

Contact a service technician to prepare your appliances (washer, dryer, water bed, etc.) for shipment.

Have a going away party.

Decide what to do with house plants. In many instances plants cannot be moved interstate. Check with your moving company about their policy on moving plants.

Make travel and hotel reservations if needed.

Arrange for pet travel, such as purchasing an airline reservation or travel container. Consult your veterinarian about how to make the move easier.

Properly service any automobile, boat or trailer that will be moved or shipped.

Get automobile license, registration and insurance in order, and keep with important papers.

Write on the packing boxes in what room the items belong.

Have packing materials on hand: tape, bubble wrap, scissors, labels, utility knife, garbage bags, etc.

Arrange to transfer all bank accounts and safety deposit box contents to new branch locations.

Arrange for traveler's checks to use for travel and the first few days at your new home.

Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements with the bank.

Begin serious packing of items you will not need over the next two weeks.

Service your automobile, especially if you are traveling a distance. Make sure tires and fluid levels are adequate.

Put a road map in your automobile.

Cancel delivery services, such as water deliveries or diaper services.

Give final instructions to services such as pool maintenance, yard mowing, etc.

Clean refrigerator and freezer.

Clean ovens and appliances.

Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location.

Return library books and videotapes.

Pick up any dry cleaning, layaway, or any stored items.

Arrange for a baby-sitter on moving day.

Move trash out to curb, or arrange for trash removal.

Properly dispose of the hazardous household items to guard against damage caused by leakage.

Movers begin packing.

Select a "do not-move" drawer for warranty papers, keys, etc. for new owner.

Set up a pool or yard service if your home is not sold or closing is more than 30 days away.

Clean drawers and cabinets as they are emptied.

Have yard mowed, edged.

Have garage, patio, driveway swept.

Pack suitcases for your trip.

Arrange to have payment ready for driver or rental company. Verify form of payment with mover.

Remember to pack the attic, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.

Empty water from your steam iron.

Launder all soiled clothing.

Take your old phone book with you.

Set aside valuables, legal documents, car registration, insurance, etc. that will go with you.

Pack your "Moving Day" handy items box: First aid kit, paper towels, disposable dishes, trash bags, snacks, sponge, camera, dish detergent, medications, toiletries, telephone book, tools, soap, road map, bathroom tissue

List every item and box loaded onto the truck.

Tell the mover how you can be reached. Leave a phone number of an alternative contact person.

Make sure all rooms and garage are clean. Use vacuum before it is loaded.

Have paint and spackle on hand for touch up and nail hole repair.

Do a final walk-through of your house:

Check all faucets

Set thermostats

Check appliances

Lock doors

Inspect all rooms + attic

Leave garage door opener for new owner

Take garage to curb

Turn off lights

Label house keys

Set sprinkler system

Check pool condition and settings

Leave a welcoming note for the new owner