If you are a seller and you are cleaning out the attic, the basement, etc. make sure that all your garbage and debris are removed from the premises (not just the house-the back and front yards as well)prior to closing. Sellers are frequently scrambling at the end and wind up leaving piles of garbage from the house at the curb, hoping that their Town’s bulk pick up services will remove the items prior to closing. Inevitably, the local municipality does not get there in time for closing and a mountain of debris remains when the Purchasers do their final walk through. That’s never a good situation.

   In the event all debris has not been removed from the premises prior to closing, money will have to be held in escrow from the Seller’s proceeds until the debris is removed. Accordingly, if you are a Seller, you can reduce the stress and drama at your next closing by making certain that all debris is removed prior to closing and prior to the Purchasers’ final walk through. Remember a basic rule of thumb: if the house is a mess, the closing will be a mess.