DON'T FORGET to do these things before moving off your property! Helpful Home Seller Tips!

[@williamwatson7495]

Hi Audra, when I bought in Santa Cruz County the seller left me a generator(need it in mountains with power outages), nice supply of firewood, wood burner tools and 4 quality stools for kitchen island. Her pleasant but quiet husband said little but to buy a tractor, he wrote down the model and dealer. It was very much appreciated as I came from out of state with a suitcase. There are some great people who share the love. Like our dear Audra!

[@teresalopez7081]

Wonderful sellers.

[@lyndalou2892]

Audra ? ! Your videos are NEVER boring ! ! ! 😆 We LOVE you and we LOVE your fierce intelligence and wisdom ! Thank you soooooo much for these extremely valuable videos ! ! ! 🏡

[@AudraLambert]

@@lyndalou2892 Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate your support.

[@AudraLambert]

You are so very welcome! So glad I could help!!

[@gaildela5710]

YES, I totally AGREE with you!! 😊

[@mcmlxii4419]

@@AudraLambert Don't you mean leave the nails in the wall and not the nail holes? Afterwards you just said that buyers don't want holes in the wall. So that makes no sense.

[@lindawilson4625]

Boring or not it's a VERY IMPORTANT To-Do list! It's best to actually write them down & check them off when done or you will forget something. I love your humorous delivery. Thanks!

[@HaggisIsGross]

Audra, your videos have been solidly helpful as we sold our place in Hawaii and moved to the mainland this month. Proud to say we did each and every one of these tasks and actually got a thank you note from the buyers and their agent for making their move-in so easy. It was a bit above and beyond but we left three pages of notes with info listing our service providers (pest control, irrigation and garden guy, AC folks, etc) and a detailed list of when each of the services were last done, along with neighborhood info. Saying goodbye to all those service providers was hard, especially the guy who kept our place centipede free, lol! But you are absolutely right, do NOT stiff those people.

[@AudraLambert]

I am so glad to read this comment. Sounds like you were a delightful seller. Well done. Love that you appreciate your service providers. Warms my heart.

[@megansams3475]

I saw a social media post several years ago from someone who had just bought a home but had a delay of a few weeks to a month from closing to moving in to the new house in a new state. They were a military family who were first time homebuyers and the house was in Colorado. They bought it in winter. They didn’t think to have utilities transferred to them because they had always lived in military housing where housing takes all your housing allowance and in turn you get housing that includes utilities and lawn care. They arrived to their new house with no heat/electricity and all the pipes were frozen and ruined. It was an expensive lesson to learn.

[@DougCeleste]

I call you "AWESOME AUDRA" since your videos are not only so informative but also quite entertaining! Thanks for all you do for us and God bless from New Mexico!

[@audiophileman7047]

👍👍👍

[@markh.6687]

Other items to give the buyer: 1. Door keys (interior or exterior doors), padlock keys (for gates, storage buildings, etc.), radiator bleeder keys (old-style radiators with bleed valves/screws. ALL the keys! Short of key rings? Use paperclips or scrap electrical wire. 2. Instruction manuals for any appliances or equipment staying with your home. 3. Alarm system passcodes/passwords. 4. Home warranty paperwork (if you provided a warranty to the buyer, or transfer an existing warranty to the buyer).

[@AudraLambert]

You should have done the video with me...you are right on on ALL points!!!

[@markh.6687]

@@AudraLambert Thank you, Audra, I'm blushing just a bit here. But I could never wear orange and steal your thunder. :)

[@sgt0079]

Completely in a different state, but I love your personality and your laugh is so infectious! Thank you for sharing your priceless wisdom and knowledge with us newbies.

[@AudraLambert]

@@sgt0079 Thank you for the kind words. I truly appreciate it.

[@user-sr8mf2vg9p]

I had a final read with a photo of the water meter, than transferred my gas and electricity to my new property online. It was so easy and quick.

[@turboboost99]

You tell 'em, Audra! Good advice as usual, and a good rant. I laughed all the way through. Keep up the good work. I'm not surprised you're one of the top agents in your area. You've got the perfect personality for this!

[@AudraLambert]

That is so nice of you to say. Like that you thought it was a good rant:) Appreciate the compliment.

[@readyornot316]

This was a great video! When we bought our current home, we met at the title company to sign documents. However at the end, the wife of the seller refused to turn over the house keys because she didn’t receive funds that day. She actually said “it’s not fair, they get a house and we walk away with nothing!” (wire transfer was completed the next day) I was so embarrassed for her husband

[@AudraLambert]

Ugh..I have never heard that before. I would have called the cops and told the seller they are trespassing on my property. They chose their title or escrow company and should work out the fund with them. Okay..I am a bit frisky today. lol.

[@machintelligence]

You might also advise the buyer that changing the locks (or re-keying the existing ones) is a good idea, since over the years , various people might have been given a key.

[@Reed-2big]

@@AudraLambert In Virginia, if I recall correctly, it is the buyer that gets to choose the title/escrow company. However, that doesn’t keep you from having your own too, but that’s sometimes too difficult.

[@racheldavis6181]

I take notes when I watch your videos! 🤓

[@idancealways4ever440]

Dang wish I knew that trash thing when I bought my house… the jerks left all three cans full of trash, trash, recycling & compost! Had no idea I could stick it to them! Thank you for this information.

[@kathleenkohr474]

Please clarify nail holes. Do you mean leave the nails in the wall? Or leave unfilled the holes in the wall where nails once were due to hanging art ?

[@fr664]

When I bought my house the sellers left so many cans and buckets of paints, varnishes, and other chemicals out by the garbage. Since I was a first time homeowner, I didn’t know any better. 30 days went by and I called the garbage company to ask why any of that stuff had been picked up and that’s when I was told none of the paint could be disposed of unless it was hardened and the other chemicals would have to be dropped off at a facility on a certain in the month. I was so angry with the seller because they had to have known better since they had been in the house over 15 years.

[@AudraLambert]

@@fr664 Oh goodness that is so frustrating and unfortunate.

[@Rita70.]

This channel is my new obsession ❤❤

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh..so glad to hear that!! Thank you!!

[@Reed-2big]

The other thing that used to get packed was the broiler pan for electric ovens!

[@AudraLambert]

Oh thats a good one too!!

[@Onyx-s6m]

Your video covers everything! 👍

[@AudraLambert]

@@Onyx-s6m Thank you!!!

[@P.Galore]

Audra has the "Cruella DeVille" laugh down pat.

[@AudraLambert]

Not sure that's a compliment...but I will pretend it is..laughing.

[@keeptrying5962]

No you said it right, "Who better than I" . Not surprised you got that right, too. 🙌🏼 Good video. Thank you.

[@AudraLambert]

Thanks for the grammar lesson. I always get confused. Thanks for watching...and your comment.

[@MelanieBerhtold]

Great info that I have never considered. Thanks!

[@AudraLambert]

So glad you got some value!! Glad I could help!!

[@Gobi2K17]

Audra thank you great video learned so much from this and how we the short end when moving in sad but live and learn.

[@AudraLambert]

Oh no...so sorry to hear that. Really appreciate your comment.

[@maureenscheall7207]

Great video. Sounds like it’s time to create a checklist.

[@Iamdunne3]

Great info, for clarification leave the actual nail in wall, or remove nail and don’t patch the nail hole?

[@biyoung4648]

Audra, l love the black mantle behind you. Could you please share the name of the color? Thank you so much and btw, I love your videos!!!!❤

[@LaTashaLasterMullins]

I love this video. Im going to make a similar video for my Sellers too.

[@AudraLambert]

yes..go for it!!

[@craftdabbler9255]

I think you give great advice. I love your laugh and your funny personality.

[@AudraLambert]

@@craftdabbler9255 Awe thank you for the kind words.

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh..thanks...that just made my day.

[@KimMiller-e4d]

Wish I could hire you, but unfortunately I live across country! I have learned so much from your videos. I would like to move out before closing and have it done remotely (moving out of state).How close to closing do I need to wait before I move?

[@quercusrubra777]

Very helpful video as usual.

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh..so glad you are still watching my videos. My appreciated!!

[@davidosborne777]

I'm getting a lot of helpful tips for me to sell my house this year.. preferably in the next few months

[@AudraLambert]

@@davidosborne777 That is so great to hear, best of luck with your sale.

[@DixieNormus_007]

Very informative. Handy information to know.

[@AudraLambert]

So glad you think so...thanks!!

[@cathichristian4142]

I'm an agent too and love your videos!

[@AudraLambert]

Yah...thanks so much. Wear red to those appointments:). Best of luck.

[@nomoreDietCoke]

Great video! Thank you!! Wish you were our realtor 🌸

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh...thats so nice of you to say!! Thank you!

[@amandarzarate]

Great video! Loved it ❤

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh..so glad you liked it.

[@joanntebo2835]

Utiliies, ugh! We set out for ours to be shut down,however... 3-5 days of electricity carried over to a new cycle. AND the utility changed account number format, AND the post office failed to forward that bill as needed. No one notified us for weeks, and then we got a tearful title officer begging because a lien would be filed. AND when I called I did not know the electric company's new account number, so they would not talk to me at first. It took afew escalations to supervisors to reach someone to cross-reference the account numbers. In the end, it was taken care of, but yeah, unexpected things happen.

[@JanHopkins-g4x]

Can you PLEASE share the manufacturer and color of your engineered wood floors you have in your home? I see the question asked repeatedly on your videos and Instagram but haven't ever seen you answer. Thanks so much! Love your videos.

[@christl6518]

Audra, what about a video on dressing professionally when going to a listing apointment, and do you dress differently when showing buyer's houses? Would love to know where you shop I can't find cute blazers anymore, either. Please do one on dressing up for real estate!

[@lindayanni1397]

Great practical advice, Audra.

[@AudraLambert]

@@lindayanni1397 you’re welcome ☺️

[@jhmumma]

Re nail holes - do you recommend leaving the nails in the walls or not?

[@katethegardener]

I did not know about the paint. We have always left the paint in the basement for the next owner. We label them with colour and room so they can touch up if they want to. I guess I will have my realtor ask to make sure they want it. I would like that myself.

[@machintelligence]

With respect to utilities, it might be best to have the service provider do a final reading rather than a turn off. Turning on the utilities after a shut off order usually involves an additional service call. Also, in winter it might cause pipe freeze problems if the utilities are truly shut off. (Not a problem in California, but other parts of the country have less forgiving weather.)

[@AudraLambert]

Very good point. We always suggest to our buyers to turn the utilities on the day of closing. Sometimes the listen to us...sometimes they don't. Great point!!

[@TheQueenOfDreams]

I’ve learned so much from you, and I love your vibe/energy! I wish we could hire your to be our realtor, but I know you don’t work this far north of OC.

[@AudraLambert]

@@TheQueenOfDreams Thank you 😊 we can always assist in getting you connected with the right local agent.

[@TheQueenOfDreams]

@@AudraLambert I actually asked you about this several months ago, but you said you weren't doing referrals to my area (Riverside.) Has that changed?

[@AudraLambert]

That's the best compliment. Thanks so much!!

[@adriaba790]

Oh Audra, I sooo wish I lived in OC, Cal ( instead of Buenos Aires,Argentina ) just so you could be my RE Agent👏🏻👏🏻😂😂😂🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@AudraLambert]

Buenos Aires? Wow, you are very far away from me. So glad I can at least assist a bit over here in California. Really appreciate your kind words.

[@jimgerety6441]

Great Points. I thought I knew everything 😂

[@AudraLambert]

Laughing...I am sure you know a lot:)

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

Hello from a loyal viewer still sick in bed with the flu. It's 'freezing cold,' *71 degrees* in San Diego today. Boy, do I feel miserable, but I couldn't resist watching. :>)

[@jdmather5755]

You poor thing. I’m at my winter place in Bradenton FL and it is 51 degrees. I thought I was paying for warm weather. I guess I shouldn’t complain too much -2 back home this morning.

[@larryberry2436]

71 degrees, poor thing. I woke up to 6 degrees here in North GA.

[@AudraLambert]

You poor thing! You've been sick for awhile. Here's to a speedy recovery...and thanks for your continued support.

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

Finally, there is a ray of sunshine in San Diego. The weather forecast for tomorrow (Jan 23.2025) is 78 degrees and sunny. Not great, but not too bad either! :>)

[@power4things]

Once upon a time, if your mail or a package happened to get to the old house with the new owners after you move, or you accidently left something small in the house, they would politely contact you and you could just pick it up at the door. You leave the paint so new owner can touch up if they scuff a wall ... no big deal. But today, and I know Audra deals with this constantly, EVERYTHING is a big deal. Too many Karins, people are too suspicious of everyone, no one is very neighborly today ... different world. California is the home of "no good deed goes unpunished", it's printed on the flag right under the bear 😁...

[@larryberry2436]

I sold a house, the buyers put mail in another envelope and mailed the letters to me. I reciprocated by taking stamps and a quart of touch up paint to them.

[@AudraLambert]

Well, where the problem resides is when old paint cans are left at the house that no longer match any colors in the home. Sellers also don't hustle to get their change of address form in because they don't get as much mail anymore. I think most new home buyers are happy to assist with forwarding the mail...but when its over several months...its not cool. I do understand your perspective.

[@power4things]

@ and I yours, you are right, of course, I was thinking of a couple of letters, but I know exactly how this goes, months later ... Thanks for your great videos from another South Oranger!

[@kathrynbaker5188]

leave at list of list of the paint colors/brands.

[@margaretames6522]

I wish my sellers had this list!

[@AudraLambert]

@@margaretames6522 By all means share it with them!!!

[@margaretames6522]

@ I should clarify - the sellers were the people who sold my property to me! I’ve lost track of them, thankfully. They could write the list of what not to do! I’ll follow it myself since I’m selling.

[@audiophileman7047]

Since I tend to be very methodical in how I do things, I have most of this stuff covered, but you managed to bring up some things that I didn't know about or didn't think of. I appreciate the heads up on the change of address; the renter's insurance; nail holes; and leaving things behind. Since I'm handy and work on my home, I appreciate touch up paint and other items like spare building materials being left behind. In the case of nail holes in the wall, I have some silver, noticeable hammer in "molly bolt" anchors through wall paper that are difficult to fix even though I have spare wall paper. How would you suggest handling those? I imagine the buyers can reuse them to hang pictures, but should I repair them or leave them in this case? I could repair them, but would like to avoid it if possible. Thank you for this informative video! 👍👍👍

[@AudraLambert]

@@audiophileman7047 this might be the case where it’s best to just leave them for the Buyer

[@audiophileman7047]

@@AudraLambert Thanks for your reply, Audra. I'll leave the spare wallpaper for them as well.👍👍👍

[@goodsingersnotjustcutesong1323]

If you are buying out-of-state pay someone to stay in the house or pay to have locks AND GARAGE DOOR changed. My sellers came back and changed out frig and damaged walls, stained the carpet knowing I was out-of-state

[@marcrold4294]

Shutting off utilities precipitously in cold weather can be problematic. Sellers need to be wise and responsible about this in cold weather conditions.

[@AudraLambert]

@@marcrold4294 Absolutely 💯

[@AudraLambert]

Very good point! Thanks for sharing.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Some things I would’ve wanted to know so I could match it to finish it/touch it up or care for it properly. It was like pulling teeth tho. It was like the guy didn’t know anything about his own property. So wound up having to reinvent the wheel and make “educated guesses.” Other thing was not having a manual for the new HE HVAC. Appreciate having the new HVAC but geez trying to figure out how to program it. Lol. A few cool things got left behind tho. A very cool floor clock, a wood chipper and a ramp. And a few other tidbits. I didn’t mind tho.

[@showdogmissy]

I received a fuzzy wuzzy sticky icky home... have your agent to a $250 old back in the contract.

[@AudraLambert]

Not a bad idea...and so sorry!!

[@johnlozano5054]

Dear Audra, I just hope, everything is ok in your are

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh..thank you...we are all fine where I live. But so many people are displaced and have lost everything. Truly a tragedy!

[@johnlozano5054]

@AudraLambert those are wonderful news, you and your beloved family have been in our prayers as well as the people of California. Keep safe and I really appreciate the time to reply. Blessings.

[@gregkloe]

If they don't want the paint that is in nicely labeled and sealed containers, I will be glad to remove it. Otherwise, it's staying. At least they will know the exact products I used where. The rest I'm onboard with. As far as cleaning, I challenge anyone to find a cleaner, neater and decluttered home as good as mine that is 10 years or older. BTW, my house was built in 1963😊.

[@AudraLambert]

Well, if you ever go to sell your house, your buyer is lucky. Regarding the paint, often sellers will leave old paint that no longer matches the paint in the exterior or interior of the home. Thanks for comment:)

[@carolerichard5250]

I used top of the line paints from Benjamin Moore throughout my home. I would sure appreciate it if sellers left me paints to patch with if I were buying ….but always a good idea to ask the buyers their preference.

[@edu456]

It's "me." "I" is when it is the subject of a sentence.

[@AudraLambert]

Oh..good to know!! Thanks

[@edu456]

@AudraLambert yw :)

[@zanneizzo8113]

😊

[@AudraLambert]

Thank you!!

[@bigworld6788]

I hide the remotes, drain plugs, etc in the microwave while the movers are packing otherwise they absolutely will pack them 😮😂

[@AudraLambert]

Very smart...great idea!!

[@Reed-2big]

We’ve had them go into an off limit closet and try to pack the packed suitcase. That was when families only had one car, so putting suitcases in the car wasn’t all that easy. It became a joke that our ladders always went missing. The horrible one was when they started taking apart what used to be called kitchen stool- you know the ones with 2 steps.

[@bambinathebichon8024]

oh no!!!! they thought you were the trash lady 😀😀😀

[@Ruby-if4jf]

😂 Facts.!

[@ksnax]

I still get mail for the previous owner - 9 YEARS LATER!!! Instant trash . .

[@AudraLambert]

Cracking up!! 9 Years Later?

[@kathrynbaker5188]

I can’t believe someone thinks they don’t have to clean the house! Shameful and rude.

[@AudraLambert]

Couldn't agree more!!

[@S_Lv]

♦️when I purchased my house in march 2021 the owner was female and she give me the house like Trash even though i give her 10 grand more than she asked 😢

[@power4things]

Audra, you are not capable of being "boring". Full stop.

[@AudraLambert]

Ahh..thank you so much!! I appreciate it!!

[@marcinance9586]

I cannot even THINK of throwing away something that arrives for the previous homeowner!!! We’ve owned our house for eight years now, and we occasionally receive random items for the previous homeowner and his roommate. While we haven’t “kept in touch” With him… we do make sure he knows we have received his mail and will forward it to him. One particular piece of mail ended up being of importance. He’s a glassblower, and as a thank you, he sent us a hand blown glass goblet!