City of Somerville Selling Information

 

In order to effect a smooth passing on the sale of your property, we wish to remind you of the following:

 

( ) Obtain a Certificate of Compliance (Smoke Detector Certificate.) This is obtained by calling Somerville's Fire Prevention Bureau - 255 Somerville Avenue - issues the smoke detectors certificate.  Appointments must be scheduled in person.  The bureau is open Monday - Friday 8 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 5 PM.  The certificate costs $50.00 per unit and is valid for 60 days.  Additional questions can be directed to Fire Prevention at 617-625-6600 ext. 8400.

 

( ) Have water meter read by the city. This should be done approximately two weeks prior to the closing on your property. You will need to call Water & Sewer Enterprise - 17 Franey Road - at 617-625-6600 ext. 5850 to schedule an appointment Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.  A representative will come out and read your meter; they will have the bill prepared in a few days. YOU MUST PICK UP THE BILL AT THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN CITY HALL, PAY IT AND HAVE IT STAMPED "PAID." PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING IT TO THE CLOSING.

(Approximate cose of $10.00 will be added to your bill.)

 

( ) Prepare the deed for the property made out to the Buyer. The deed is usually prepared by the Seller's attorney. However, if you do not have an attorney, the bank attorney handling the closing will prepare it for you at a set fee. This takes place a few days prior to the closing. If an attorney, other than the bank prepared thedeed, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BRING IT TO THE CLOSING!

(Approximate cost: $100 - $200.)

 

( ) The Seller will be responsible for paying the State Tax/Stamp. Most times this will be deducted directly from the Seller's proceeds. (Approximate cost: (total price divided by 1000) X $4.56) Example: Sale price of $350,000 =350/1000 X $4.56 = $1,596.00

 

( ) Bring all keys of the property to the closing.

 

( ) Bring the most recent paid tax bill to the closing.

 

( ) Have utilities read and all accounts in your name closed.

 

( ) If your house has oil heat, have your oil company estimate what is left in the tank. When adjustments are made at the time of the closing, the Buyer will pay for the oil in the tank.


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