When you have sold your home for sale, it is a nice feeling. But before handing over the keys, there are some things to take into account. There are certain agreements that need to be observed and that need to be in order before the final inspection. In this article we provide useful tips for handing over your condo, which you can use as a checklist.
Leaving the house empty
Basically, it is always the standard arrangement that the purchase property is delivered completely empty. This is almost always specified in the deed of sale. All the furniture must be out of the house and the house must also be in a decent state of cleanliness. Do you receive a house that is not completely empty? That is very annoying, but in this situation you can do several things. For that, also read our article: House not empty on transfer? Here’s what you can do .
What should and what doesn’t need to be?
Not everything is black and white. Some things are not always clear whether they should be removed or refurbished. A well-known example are holes in the wall, should you seal them or not? Officially it is not required, but it is often done, which is also very nice for the next occupant. Things like lamps are also sometimes not clear, but you must officially dismantle and vacate these, unless otherwise agreed. Also, residents frequently leave spare items that are left over and might be useful to the new occupant. Think extra roof tiles, laminate, tiles, etc. But officially this is only allowed if this has been agreed with the new occupant.
Tips for a smooth transfer
Here are our tips for a smooth transfer of your purchase home. So you know exactly what to expect.
Start delivery on time
Handing over a house takes quite some time. You have to empty the house completely and move your belongings. You also have to clean the house and leave it in a clean condition. That is why it is a good idea to start a few weeks in advance and allow enough time for this. This is a process you don’t want to rush.
Movable property and acquired items
Make sure the agreements are clear of what is allowed to stay in the home. It is best to have these on paper or in the mail, for example, so that it is always clear to all parties.
Kitchen and appliance cleaning
Of course, the kitchen and the equipment in the kitchen should also be delivered in neat condition. Not everything has to shine, but make sure it’s neat. Empty the kitchen completely, wipe it (including the appliances) down with a cloth and make sure there is no food residue.
Sanitary and window cleaning
Make sure your bathroom and toilet are fresh. Give all the plumbing a good once-over and remove limescale.
Removing holes and plugs
So officially it is not necessary, but it is neat to remove the holes in the walls and the plugs. This way you hand over the house neatly to the next occupant. Filling the holes is very easy to do with, for example, wall filler that you can get at almost any hardware store. With a putty knife and the wall filler you can fill the holes in no time.
Manuals, warranties and meter readings
If you still have them, you can collect manuals and warranty certificates and building plans, for example, and put them in a drawer for the next occupants. Also, during the final inspection, take a moment to note the meter readings and give them to the suppliers.
Lighting and electrics
Lamps are often things that residents leave hanging, but officially you have to make arrangements for this. In fact, lamps should only be left hanging if this has been agreed upon. If nothing has been agreed, you can dismantle the lamps and replace them with a bulb.
Cleaning up garden and containers
Make sure you leave the garden tidy as well. Clean up all garden waste neatly and make sure the dumpster is also empty.
Leftover materials and building supplies
Stuff or materials you have left over such as laminate, roof tiles or tiles can be useful for the next occupants. But note that you may only leave these behind if it has been so agreed. If nothing has been agreed upon, they may not officially be left behind.
Keys
Collect all the keys to the house, including those you have with family, friends or neighbors, for example. You can keep these in an easy place in the house or hand them over to the notary.
Last check
Walk extensively through the house one last time. Check that you haven’t forgotten anything and that everything is in the condition agreed upon. If it is, you are ready for delivery.
Assistance with completion of your home?
Do you prefer help with the completion of your home? We can help you empty your home and perform minor repairs and dismantling. This way you can easily and quickly deliver your home according to the agreements you made with the buyer. Contact us for a free quote.
