Delay move until deal is done

Sellers should start packing as soon as they think they might want to put their home on the market. That is, they should start weeding out all the personal property they no longer want or need. It makes no sense to spend time and money packing and moving these things.

Most homes need decluttering before they're sold. This is so they show at their best, which usually results in a faster sale at a higher price. Cluttered homes look smaller than they are. And, an unkempt look puts buyers off. Clearing out the clutter early is a good idea even if you aren't sure when you'll be moving.

Deciding when to pack the things you're keeping should be carefully considered due to changes in the home sale market over the past few years. Sellers used to start packing as soon as the buyers removed all contingencies from the contract. It was usually smooth sailing from then to closing.

Now, there are some sale transactions that don't close on time because lenders take longer to approve loans, often asking for an additional appraisal or more documentation from the buyers before they'll deliver the funds. Occasionally, a transaction doesn't close at the last minute. The lender might cease offering a certain loan program, change the terms of a loan or run out of money.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Sellers who are living in their homes during the marketing period shouldn't move their furnishings out until they are sure the transaction is closing. Otherwise, they could have to move back in again if the deal falls apart at the last minute.

An East Coast seller moved out and then heard that the closing was delayed. Her furniture was already on its way to the West Coast, so she couldn't move back in. Luckily, the sale closed three weeks later.

To avoid moving out before you know the sale is closing, build a few extra days into the purchase contract at the time you negotiate the sale with the buyers. For example, you could ask to vacate the property within two or three days after closing. This way, if the closing is delayed, you have time to reschedule your move, and to move out and clean the house before the buyers take possession. ...CONTINUED

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