Before you start packing up your home, it's important to remember that there are certain things you need to leave behind for the new owners. Below is a quick checklist of things you will want to make sure you don't pack with your belongings.

• Any personal property specified in your contract, this includes items that the buyer specifically wrote into the contract and anything that is part of the standard language of the contract. For example, the standard Virginia Real Estate Contract includes all fixtures located in the property on the date of the contract ratification, so make sure you read through your contract closely and chat with your agent if you have any questions.
  
  
• Owner's manuals and warranty information for any appliances you are leaving in the house.
  
  
• Garage door openers.
  
  
• Keys to the house, storage sheds, and any other locked space inside the home.
  
  
• Codes to the security alarm or any coded door locks. Don't forget the contact information for any security companies that you utilize.
  
  
• Contact information for your homeowners' association or condo board.
  
  
• Access to smart home devices. Make sure that any smart devices left in the home are reset for the new homeowners to connect their accounts. Be sure your accounts and data are fully disconnected and wiped from the device. Leave instruction manuals or app information for the smart devices.
  
  
• Numbers to local utility companies and a list of local service providers. Moving to a new area often means finding new lawn care services, plumbers, electricians, etc. If you have a favorite local business that you're sad to be leaving behind, give them the gift of sharing their information with the new homeowners. The new owners and your local businesses will appreciate your efforts.
  
  
• A roll of toilet paper in each bathroom and paper towels in the kitchen. It's a little thing that the new owners will be grateful for.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home or the real estate process in general, call New Leaf Team at (434) 214-6121. Rives, Kelly, and John will be glad to help answer your questions.