Your buyer is eager to move in and start a new chapter in your soon-to-be departed home, but they can’t turn the page until you serve up the keys. And it’s that time.
It’s right in the contract: Seller shall deliver keys and garage door remotes to buyer on the closing date or on possession date, whichever occurs first. Let the handoff commence!
Typically, sellers complete their half of the signing process and hand off keys on (or close to) the same day. They should physically hand keys, garage door remotes – as well as share home-security codes – to their listing agent, who will forward everything to the buyer’s broker.
Or, in cases when the home is vacant and the buyer has already completed the walk-through, keys/remotes are typically left in a kitchen drawer or other location out of sight, except for one set of keys that the buyer’s broker will either hold or keep in a lockbox outside the property. Seller and buyer agents coordinate the process to ensure a seamless handoff.
The buyer receives the goodies once the transaction is finalized. That’s when all parties have signed, funds are in transit and documents are recorded at the county’s Recorder’s Office (500 4th Avenue, Seattle).
When in doubt about the when, what and where, please contact your listing agent – the person who has been there for you every step of the way.