Neighborhood Checklists: What Happens After You Hand Over the Keys

by Brandford Office

Handing the keys to a buyer feels like the final page in your home-selling story—but a few critical chapters remain. From tying up utility accounts to protecting your tax position, a clear post-sale checklist keeps you legally covered, financially smart, and emotionally ready for the next adventure.

1. Confirm Final Utility Transfers

Within 48 hours of closing, call each utility provider to verify the service has been placed in the buyer’s name.

Water & sewer
Electric and gas
Garbage/recycling
Internet and cable

Pro tip: Snap a photo of every final meter reading and email it to both the utility company and the buyer’s agent.

2. Update Your Address—Everywhere

A USPS mail-forwarding order lasts 12 months for first-class mail, but nearly 30 % of sellers still miss important letters in the first quarter after moving.

Top address-change targets:

Bank, credit-card, and investment accounts
State driver’s license and voter registration
Online shopping profiles (Amazon, PayPal, etc.)
Magazine and subscription boxes

3. Cancel or Convert Homeowner’s Insurance

Call your insurer as soon as the deed records; most carriers refund unused premiums within two weeks. If you’re buying another home, bundling auto and home can shave up to 15 % off total premiums.

4. Close Out HOA or Condo Accounts

If your property was governed by an association, request:

Paid-in-full letter for dues
Transfer of amenity fobs or parking permits
Confirmation of any special-assessment balances

Failure to clear HOA fees can result in collection notices months later, so get written proof.

5. Settle Property Taxes and Escrow

Your closing statement should prorate taxes, but escrow adjustments can lag one pay cycle. Mark your calendar for the next property-tax due date and verify you owe zero in the county’s online portal.

6. Store Closing Documents & Warranties

Create a single digital folder containing:

HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure
Final settlement statement
Proof of mortgage payoff
Receipts for capital improvements (roof, HVAC, solar)
Home warranties and transferable service contracts

Keep these for at least seven years in case of IRS questions.

7. Notify Local Government About Permits

Open permits often stay attached to the property. Email your city’s building department to confirm all past projects—decks, pools, electrical upgrades—show “Finaled” status.

8. Plan for Capital-Gains Reporting

In most cases, married sellers can exclude up to $500,000 of gain from federal taxes, single sellers $250,000. You must have:

Lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years
Owned the home 2 of the last 5 years

Consult a tax professional if you moved sooner or rented the home before selling.

9. Redirect Smart-Home Access

Reset or transfer:

Wi-Fi network name and password
Smart thermostats and locks
Security-camera cloud accounts

Factory-resetting devices protects your privacy and prevents accidental system fees.

10. Give—And Ask For—Feedback

A five-minute online review can boost your agent’s reputation, and their market insights can help you score an invitation to off-market deals in the future.

Quick-Reference Post-Sale Checklist

Task	Deadline	Verified?
Transfer utilities	Within 48 hours	☐
Submit USPS mail-forward	Day of closing	☐
Cancel/convert insurance	Deed recording date	☐
Clear HOA balances	1 week post-close	☐
Confirm zero property-tax due	Next due date	☐
Archive closing documents	Day of closing	☐
Close open permits	30 days post-close	☐
Review capital gains rules	Before tax filing	☐
Reset smart devices	Move-out day	☐
Leave/collect agent feedback	1 week post-close	☐

Why This Checklist Matters

Missed utility shutdowns, forgotten HOA fees, or stray smart-home logins can haunt you long after moving trucks roll away. Completing each step ensures a clean break, maximum financial gain, and total peace of mind.