Q: The last time I sold my house (in another state) I got 2 days after closing to completely move out. Now my Realtor says I have to be out by the day of closing on my house in Florida! Why, what gives?
A: Your Realtor is right. The Florida FAR/BAR As-Is contract (the most common one used) states that on the day of closing, Seller will have removed all items from the home and deliver all keys, garage door openers, etc. The expectation under the law is that the property is to be “broom swept clean” for closing and free of trash and debris. It’s a nice touch to really have the property clean and sparkling for the new buyer.
There is an option in the contract for post-occupancy. Usually when this happens, the Seller leases the home back from the Buyer, with a full Florida lease, deposits, etc. in place. This is a riskier option for the Buyer, because what if something breaks or the Seller damages the property after the closing occurs? That is why these are not very common in my experience.
The closing procedure may work differently in other states, but this is the norm in Florida, and something worthy of reminding Sellers when they list their home so they can plan accordingly.
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