Selling a Home
Selling your home is a big step in life with many new possibilities awaiting.
Questions to Ask as you Prepare your Move
Is your HOA account current?
When you are selling your home in an Association, one of the things that must be done is transferring of the account from one owner to the next. If your account has a past due balance, this can cause more to have to be paid at closing. If your home has not went “under contract” yet, you can make a payment on your account either online or by mailing in a check.
Once your home has gone under contract, the closing attorneys will request a statement from the management company for your account. Once this statement has been requested, the closing attorneys will know how much you owe. If you make a payment after this point, your closing attorney will either need to request a new statement, which can add additional cost, or you will have to wait for the transfer process to be complete to receive a refund.
Did you cancel any automatic payments scheduled for your dues?
There are many ways homeowners set up automatic payments for their community dues. Each way will require a different action to be taken.
- Automatic Draft through Kuester: If you are set up on ACH through Kuester, your draft will be canceled upon the sale of your home automatically.
- Online Automatic Check or Credit Card Payment through Kuester.com: If you entered an automatic payment online, you would need to go into your account and cancel the recurring payment.
- Payments Through Banks: If your bank automatically sends a check each month, you will need to cancel this service through your bank, using whichever method they require.
- Payments Through Estates: if you have an estate set up, you will need to notify the Trustee to discontinue payments once the home has been sold.
Do you have a prepaid balance on your account?
If you have paid ahead on your account for one reason or another, you will want to get your money back to use towards your new home. Once your home has gone under contract, the closing attorneys will request a statement from the management company for your account. Once this statement has been requested, the closing attorneys will know how much you will be due at the time of closing for having been pre-paid.
Did you give your amenity devices to the new owner?
If your community has amenities such as a pool, work out room, or tennis courts, you should have an amenities pass. The new owners of your home will be eager to be able to access these facilities. Most devices, rather a FOB, card, or physical key can be transferred to the new homeowner at closing just like the house keys are. If your community uses a picture or name ID card, the new owner will have to request their own. If this is the type of card that you have, you can dispose of the card or send it back to the HOA to be disposed of. Once you sell your home, any passes not returned will be disabled.
General Household Questions
Have you submitted your change of address with the local post office?
Making sure that your mail is getting to your new home is very important! It can be frustrating missing a bill, letter, or other important information you are expecting after a move. You will want to update your address with the postal service. This can be done a few ways:
- Go to USPS.com/move to change your address online. You immediately get an email confirming the address change. There is a minimal charge for this service, usually around $1.00.
- Go to your local post office and request a Mover’s Guide packet. Inside the packet is PS Form 3575. You can complete it at the post office and give it to the clerk.
Have you changed the name on your utilities?
If you are selling your house, you certainly do not want to be paying for services that you are not using! Remember, it is okay to cancel or transfer these services before the closing date if they are not needed. You will need to contact each service provider to switch the service off. If you are purchasing a home be sure that you schedule the connection service prior to when you believe you will first need it. This date may not be on your closing date but rather when you are moving in. Below is a list of utility services you may have that need to be turned off or transferred.
- Water and Sewer
- Trash and Recycling
- Electric
- Natural Gas
- Cable, Internet, Phone
Have you contacted your cable and/or internet provider?
If you are selling your house, you certainly do not want to be paying for internet or cable that you are not using! Remember, it is okay to cancel or transfer these services before the closing date. Call your provider to see if they have any recommendations for you prior to moving. Don’t forget you have every right to shop around, as a different provider may be cheaper in your new home! If you are purchasing a home be sure that you schedule the connection service prior to when you believe you will need first need it. This date may not be on your closing date but rather when you are settled in and would like to begin using your cable or internet.
Have you checked with your insurance agent to make any necessary changes to your insurance policies?
Most insurance companies require you to update your policy with your new address within 60 days of moving. If you are a new homeowner, we recommend doing this as soon as possible, prior to moving into your new home. If you are selling your house, please ensure the coverage lasts through the closing date. Being proactive with your insurance company will help prevent or lessen any troubles that may occur if an emergency were to arise during the transition period. Remember, insurance companies base pricing on the location of the insured items, so there is a chance that your new address could save you money. Also don’t forget, this applies to not only homeowner’s insurance but also to your vehicle insurance as well!
Get the Facts!
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