Seller Responsibilities

3 Weeks Prior to Closing

Utilities
Notify the appropriate utility companies that you will require final bills to be issued to you as of the final date of settlement. Give the name of the Buyers to the utility companies so that service will be transferred without interruption.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
At the closing, you must provide a certificate from the fire department stating that the detectors are properly installed in your home. Call your local fire department and arrange for the inspection and issuance of the required certificate.

Oil
If your heating system is fueled by oil, contact the oil company and request a final reading. You will be reimbursed by the buyer at the closing for the value of the oil that remains in the tank.

Title V (if septic system)
At the closing, you must provide Title V Certification if your home has a private sewerage system.

6D Certificate (for condominiums only)
All condo fees must be paid up to the last day of the month in which the closing will take place. The condo fee for the then current month shall be apportioned as of the day of performance. Contact your condo association to order a 6D Certificate and bring to closing.

Certificate of Insurance (for condominiums only)
At the time of closing, the Seller shall deliver to the Buyer a Certificate of Condominium Insurance. Contact the condominium insurance company and order this certificate. You will need to give them the full names of the Buyers, the name of the bank which they are borrowing from and the bank's address. The original certificate must be presented by closing.

2 Weeks Prior to Closing

Deed
You must present at the closing a new deed conveying title to the buyer. The deed can be prepared by your attorney, or by the attorney handling the conveyance for the bank. Often the bank's attorney will ask to see the deed prior to closing.

Certificate of Title
If your property is registered land, the bank's attorney may want to see a coy of your Owner's Duplicate Certificate of Title. You no longer have to have this in your possession in order to close.

1 Week Prior to Closing

Contact all utilities, phone, electric, water, sewer, gas and cable to change service.

At the Closing

Keys and Garage Door Openers
Remember to bring all the keys to closing.

Taxes
Adjustment will be made for the property taxes that you have already paid. Bring your most recent tax bill, paid or unpaid, to the closing.

Excise Tax Stamps
You will be responsible for payment of Massachusetts Excise Tax Stamps. The cost may be determined by multiplying $4.56 per $1,000 of the total selling price of your property. This amount is usually adjusted out of your proceeds from the sale.

Mortgage Pay-Off
The conveying attorney will have obtained from the bank that holds your present mortgage, the final balance due as of the closing. He/she will arrange for that payment from your proceeds. You will be required to pay a nominal fee for the recording of that mortgage discharge.

Real Estate Commission
The commission, as agreed, will be due and payable at the closing from the proceeds.