Sellers — 5 min read
A seller's guide to delivering clear title on time
Sellers control most of the items that delay closings. Two hours of preparation at listing saves two weeks later.
Gather these at listing
- Your owner's title policy from when you bought the property
- Existing survey, and any subsequent improvement plans
- Payoff information for every mortgage, home equity line and lien
- Recorded discharges for loans you have already paid off
- Permits and certificates of occupancy for additions, decks, pools and finished basements
Resolve name and ownership issues early
Marriage, divorce, death and trust transfers all affect who must sign. If a former spouse, deceased co-owner or trust is on the deed, confirm the required documents before you are under contract.
Open permits and municipal items
Open permits and missing certificates are among the most common causes of a delayed New Jersey closing. Ask the municipality what is open on your address as soon as you list.
Understand your net
Transfer taxes, payoff per-diem interest, unpaid taxes and utility adjustments all come out at closing. Ask for a seller net sheet before you accept an offer so the number is not a surprise.
Questions
Good to know.
The company that issued it, or the closing attorney's file, can often supply a copy. It is worth the call — it can qualify a buyer or a refinance for a lower rate.
Ready when you are.
Run a preliminary estimate in about a minute, or send us the transaction and our team will follow up with detailed figures.