No seller does not need to sign in person for closing. The title company will coordinate the signing of the sellers docs through a mailaway package and some documents can be signed electronically.
Closing proceeds are funded through wire transfer or cashiers check from the title company.
Water and Electric will transfer automatically once the buyers notify the water and electric providers. Normally electricity can be done in advance but water takes place after the settlement. The seller can still notify the utility companies if they choose. As for cable/internet, usually the seller needs to notify the provider in advance so the buyers can start a new service, and the sellers equipment will need to be returned.
This is done after settlement. The seller will need to provide the settlement documents to the insurance company and then the insurance company will send a prorated check for the balance not used.
The title company will handle HOA notification at settlement, but it is alway suggested that the sellers also contact their HOA just in case they need to hand in any gate transponders.
Most contracts require the home to be broom swept unless specified in the contract otherwise, but it is always a nice gesture to have the home professionally cleaned prior to the walk through.
Normally the walk through will take place the morning of closing. It’s important that all the sellers items are moved out and all contracted repairs are completed at this time.
Any items attached to the home including TV mounts need to remain with the home unless specified in the purchase agreement.
AS-IS contracts with the right to inspect and cancel have become the most common contracts used. Sellers need to be aware that these contracts are very buyer friendly and allow the buyer out of the contract for any reason as long as they notify the sellers in writing prior to the inspection deadline. Usually once the buyer inspects the property they will ask for repairs or credits for repairs. Sellers thenhave the choice to make the repairs or give closing credits to move forward with the transaction.