What should a seller leave and hand over to the buyer at closing in Richmond, Virginia?
Selling
Before closing, gather the manuals, warranties and service records; label every key and remote; reset smart-home devices; keep utilities on through Closing Day; and leave the home broom clean with only what the buyer has agreed to receive. From Curt Reichstetter and Heather at Two Dog Realty, Richmond, Virginia.
October 11, 2026
Seller Handoff Checklist: What to Leave and Hand Over When You Sell in Richmond, VA
Curt Reichstetter
Before closing, gather the manuals, warranties and service records; label every key and remote; reset smart-home devices; keep utilities on through Closing Day; and leave the home broom clean with only what the buyer has agreed to receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep my utilities on through closing day when I sell my Richmond home?
Yes. Keep electric, gas, water and internet service on through Closing Day so the buyer can confirm the home's systems work, then disconnect the next day unless your agent or contract says otherwise. Two Dog Realty's Seller Handoff Checklist lists this under Utilities & Services.
What should sellers leave for the buyer at closing?
Leave the house, mailbox, storage and gate keys, garage remotes and keypad instructions, plus appliance and system manuals, transferable warranties and recent service records. Label every key and remote and deliver them the way your agent instructs.
What documents should a seller hand over to the buyer?
Appliance and system manuals, transferable warranties, recent service records and HOA or community contacts. If you have service contracts, pool, irrigation or exterior lighting notes, or seasonal plant and garden notes, include those too.
What should I do with my smart-home devices before closing?
Remove the home from your personal accounts, reset cameras, alarms and thermostats, and remove personal data. Never share your personal passwords with the buyer.
Can I leave leftover paint, tile or light bulbs for the buyer?
Only with approval. Labeled leftover paint, matching tile, flooring or shingles, and specialty bulbs and replacement filters can be helpful to a buyer, but ask first. Do not leave unidentified chemicals or unwanted items behind.
What should I tell the buyer about how the home works?
Show where the main water shutoff and secondary valves are, the electrical panel, and the gas meter and shutoff. Add any less obvious switches, timers or controls, paint brands and colors by room, and instructions for built-in or custom systems.
What condition should a seller leave the home in?
Leave it broom clean with all personal items removed, and lock the doors and windows. Forward your mail and take final photos for your own records.
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Checklist
Documents: Appliance and system manuals
Documents: Transferable warranties
Documents: Recent service records
Documents: HOA/community contacts
Keys & Access: House, mailbox, storage and gate keys
Keys & Access: Garage remotes and keypad instructions
Keys & Access: Clearly label every key and remote
Keys & Access: Deliver per your agent's instructions
Smart Home: Remove home from personal accounts
Smart Home: Reset cameras, alarms and thermostats
Smart Home: Remove personal data
Smart Home: Do not share personal passwords
How The Home Works: Main water shutoff and secondary valves
How The Home Works: Electrical panel and gas meter/shutoff
How The Home Works: Less obvious switches, timers or controls
How The Home Works: Paint brands/colors by room
How The Home Works: Built-in or custom system instructions
Exterior & Yard: Pool, irrigation and exterior lighting notes
Exterior & Yard: Service contracts
Exterior & Yard: Seasonal plant and garden notes
Exterior & Yard: Exterior outlets or special connections
Utilities & Services: Electric, gas, water, internet providers
Utilities & Services: HVAC, pest, pool and other vendors
Utilities & Services: Trash/recycling provider and schedule
Utilities & Services: Keep utilities on through Closing Day (disconnect the next day unless otherwise instructed)
Leave Only With Approval: Labeled leftover paint
Leave Only With Approval: Matching tile, flooring, shingles
Leave Only With Approval: Specialty bulbs and replacement filters
Leave Only With Approval: No unidentified chemicals or unwanted items
Before You Leave: Forward mail
Before You Leave: Leave home broom clean
Before You Leave: Remove all personal items
Before You Leave: Lock doors and windows
Before You Leave: Take final photos for your records
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