Congratulations! Your home is officially sold.

What do you do now? This guide will ensure you close out any loose ends on your old home, and make it easy to move onto the next chapter.  

1. Check Your Bank Account. A closing isn’t final until you have received your funds. After paying off any mortgages on the property, the title company will wire the leftover amount directly into your bank account. Verify you received the funds and enjoy!
2. End Your Home Insurance Policy.  Contact your current home insurance provider and cancel your policy for the date of closing. You should be issued a refund for the difference. Make sure they have your new address on file for them to send your refund check. *If you had an escrow account with your mortgage company, a refund check should be headed your way as well for the leftover escrow funds. This should automatically happen once the mortgage is paid and does not typically need notification like your home insurance.
3. Update Your Driver’s License.    In FL, your license address must be updated within 30 days of moving.   You can do it online: www.flhsmv.gov Or in person. You will also need to update your car registration and insurance as well. If moving out of state, check your state-specific laws.
4. Forward Your Mail. Register your new address with the US Postal Service and sign-up for forwarding mail service.  Do this early to ensure you don’t miss any important paperwork after closing.  Mail forwarding should be good for about a year afterwards.  Click for link.
5. Move Your Homestead Exemption. If your next home is within the state of Florida, make sure to move your homestead exemption to your new place. Call your local property appraiser office to ensure you take advantage of your full tax savings by discussing “portability” with them.
6. Write Your Agent A Review.  Help your real estate agent out by sharing your experience.  You can write an online review on any of the home search web sites, social media, or another outlet.  You can also give a referral to a friend or family member.
7. Update Your Address.  Supply your employer, financial institutions, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any business you frequently make payments to with your updated contact details.  Most of this information can be updated online.
8. Save Your Closing Documents.  After closing, scan your documents into an electronic format to have e-copies of everything.  Then find a safe place to store the originals.

Contact Laura to List Your Home