Once you’ve officially closed on the house, you are no longer the legal owner. Unless you and the buyer have agreed (in writing) to occupancy after closing, the buyer will expect right of possession immediately after closing.
All of the objects, codes, and other home miscellany need to be brought to the closing. Items can include things like all keys, garage door openers, passcodes, or other devices that control appliances around the home. After all, what good is buying a house if you can’t get into it or use the garage!
Here’s a quick checklist for items to give to new owners:
- Keys to the front door, back door, garage, porch, and backyard.
- Punch codes for gates, fences, door locks, and garage doors.
- Access information for smart locks, thermostats, doorbells, or appliances.
- Any other remotes or devices that control systems of the house.
You can alternatively leave these items on the kitchen counter for when the buyers take possession. Just make sure your agent gives the buyer’s agent a key to enter the house at settlement.
Government-Issued Identification
The closing agent needs to verify that you, in fact, are who you say you are. On the day of closing, bring two forms of identification to be on the safe side. The first must include a photo like a driver’s license or a passport. The other should have your name printed on it (like a social security card, or credit card).