Closing on your Home Before a Long Distance Move

Issues that can disrupt the closing on your home and a long distance move

Buying and selling a home is crucial while in the throes of long distance moving. Most people that make a move of this nature have already secured housing at their new location, and the sale of the previous home is crucial. The last thing homeowners want to hear is that the closing on their home has been put on hold, or has failed to close altogether.

The following is a list of scenarios that can cause a home’s sale to fall through regardless of the terms agreed to in a contract. Hopefully this will help avoid any unforeseen surprises when closing time comes and a long distance move is eminent.

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Uncleanliness: While most people will tolerate a dirt here and there, sometimes a little dust on an air vent to some buyers is enough to cause alarm. Although contracts vary greatly, most will include some sort of stipulation that the buyer is only allowed to legally back out in the event that the home has deteriorated beyond normal wear and tear after the signing of the contract. That said, while a seller may be able to win in court, it could save time, hassle, and money by simply making sure the home is spotless prior to closing.

1. Plumbing: Be sure that all drains work properly. While this seems like a very small problem, some buyers can be picky. Many contracts will support the buyer in this assertion.
2. Dinged up walls: Again, this term is relative. While some buyers understand that a few patches and some scuff washing will be necessary upon moving in, others expect the walls to be perfect. Nicks and scratches may be more visible to a buyer when they make the final walkthrough, and this is never ideal when trying to focus on long distance moving. Check walls thoroughly for significant dents and consider painting over anything that may stick out. After all, it really will cause more hassle and financial loss than it is worth by battling it out in court.
3. Disruptive neighborhood: This mostly applies to those who live near an airport, landfill, or similar areas. If buyers have previously visited the home during a time of little air traffic, or when smells from a particular factory have been blowing away from the home, they may be in for a shock if they notice this issue during the final walk-through. Disclosing the proximity of certain locations in a contract is the only way to thoroughly protect oneself from a buyer backing out at the last minute, causing a huge disruption during a long distance move. Because these are not circumstances one can change, disclose it in a contract.
4. Disclose other problems: Disclose any plumbing, flooding, or other problems in a contract. Not only does this prevent the buyer from backing out for those reasons, it also protects the seller in the future.

Long distance moving can be stressful, especially when juggling homes. No one wants to be left paying two mortgages.

Aside from buying and selling home, long distance movers are generally required to help transport belongs either across the country or even internationally. Thoroughly vet each moving company in order to find the right partners for this logistical challenge.

What do you think?  Do you have any questions related to international shipping and moving?  The professional team of international shipping experts at Gateways Moving would love to help you out!  Send us an email using the form below and we will promptly help you along in any way that we can!