Seller’s Checklist: What to Do the Day Before Closing on Your Bluffton or Hilton Head Home
By Allison Cobb, The Cobb Group | Brokered by eXp Luxury Realty
If you’re selling your home in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, or Moss Creek, the day before closing can feel like a whirlwind. You’ve packed up, cleaned out, and prepared to hand over the keys. But there are still some important details to confirm so your sale goes smoothly.
As the best Realtor in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, I’ve guided countless sellers through this moment. Here’s your seller’s checklist for the day before closing to help you feel prepared, organized, and stress-free.
1. Complete Any Final Repairs
If repairs were negotiated after the inspection, make sure they are finished and that you’ve provided invoices to your Listing Realtor. Buyers will expect to see proof from licensed vendors, and having everything documented ensures transparency and protects you. It is always best to have repairs and invoices completed 3 business days prior to closing to ensure all parties have had time to review invoices or have the home re-inspected if needed. Resolving issues in the 11th hour can add confusion and undue chaos for both sides. Time is everyone’s friend.
2. Gather Keys, Remotes, and Codes
Think about everything the new buyers will need for a smooth transition:
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House keys
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Garage door remotes
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Door codes and garage keypad codes
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Alarm/security codes
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Gate passes (for gated communities like Moss Creek, Belfair, Hampton Hall, and others)
3. Remove Personal Property & Leave Agreed Items
By closing, the home should be empty—unless the contract says otherwise. If you agreed to leave appliances, furniture, or certain items, make sure they remain in place. Everything else should be cleared out, cleaned, and move-in ready for the buyers.
4. Handle Any Side Agreements Professionally
If you’ve sold furniture or extras to the buyer outside of the contract, those payments should be handled separately (through Venmo, Zelle, or check). These cannot appear on closing documents.
5. Confirm Utilities
Don’t just shut off utilities—coordinate the timing. The smoothest option is allowing buyers to transfer them into their name. A short overlap avoids hiccups and ensures there’s no interruption of service.
6. Know the Closing Process in Beaufort County
In South Carolina, closings are handled by attorneys—not title companies. This often surprises sellers coming from other states. Here’s what to expect:
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You will meet with your attorney separately, not at the same table as the buyer.
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Your Realtor typically doesn’t attend the closing (also a surprise to many sellers).
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The buyer’s attorney prepares the settlement statement (CD), so if there’s a delay, it usually stems from their side, not yours.
Important reminder: Closing is not complete until the property is funded. That means you don’t hand over keys or access codes until your attorney confirms the funds have been received.
7. Be Patient with the Final Hours
Closings can feel like a “hurry up and wait” situation. Remember:
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The loan package must be delivered to the buyer’s attorney before numbers can be finalized.
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Conditional loan approval is not final loan approval—buyers can be delayed by last-minute lender requirements.
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If there are hiccups in the final hours, have grace. Every team member—the Realtors, attorneys, and lenders—is working hard to bring your sale across the finish line.
8. Broom Swept vs. Professionally Cleaned – What Sellers Should Know
Technically, a home only needs to be delivered “broom swept” at closing. That means it should be empty, free of clutter, and ready for the buyers’ walk-through. You don’t have to hire professional cleaners—and you’re not required to leave the home spotless.
That said, experience shows that delivering a clean home can smooth over surprises. Nothing rattles buyers more than walking into a dirty or grimy home just before closing. It creates stress, sometimes delays move-in, and can sour what should be an exciting moment.
A professionally cleaned home isn’t required, but it sets the tone for a positive transfer. Often, it helps calm buyers, reduces nitpicking at the walk-through, and can even prevent minor issues from escalating at the closing table.
Want to go the extra mile? Leave behind a short list of vendors you’ve used—HVAC service, lawn care, pest control, house cleaning. It’s not required, but it’s a thoughtful handoff that makes the buyers feel confident and welcomed.
The Seller’s Bottom Line
The day before closing is about preparation and patience. Confirm repairs, gather keys and codes, coordinate utilities, and consider leaving the home clean and ready for its next chapter. These small touches can make all the difference in giving the buyer peace of mind and keeping the closing smooth.
Selling in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island?
At The Cobb Group, brokered by eXp Luxury Realty, we help sellers across Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Moss Creek prepare for closing with ease. From pricing and marketing to negotiations and final details, we handle everything so you can focus on your next chapter.
Our office is conveniently located in Moss Creek Village on Hilton Head Island—just over the bridge from Bluffton.
Looking for the best Realtor in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island to sell your home? Call Allison Cobb today at 843-338-7256 or visit thecobbgroup.com.
Seller FAQs
Q: Do I need to provide proof of repairs?
Yes. Always provide invoices for completed inspection repairs. It protects you and reassures the buyer.
Q: When do I turn over keys and codes?
Only after your attorney confirms the property has funded—not at the time of signing.
Q: Who prepares the closing documents?
The buyer’s attorney prepares the settlement statement (CD). If there’s a delay, it’s usually from their side.
Q: Does my Realtor attend closing?
In Beaufort County, Realtors usually don’t attend. Sellers meet separately with their attorney.
Q: Do I have to clean my house before closing?
By law, only a broom-swept condition is required. But a professionally cleaned home ensures a calmer, smoother transfer.
Q: Is it helpful to leave vendor information?
Yes! Sharing your HVAC, lawn care, or cleaning vendors is a thoughtful handoff that new buyers appreciate.
Strategic Moves. Lasting Relationships. That’s The Cobb Group promise to every seller.
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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