Buyer Instructions
Us After Death – Buyer’s Guide
Things You Need to Know (Do’s & Don’ts)
Do:
- Communicate only through the Us After Death platform to keep all transactions secure.
- Respond to messages promptly—expected within 24–72 hours.
- Request detailed photos and videos of the memorial space to verify condition and location.
- Review listing details carefully, including ownership documents, price, and facility requirements.
- Keep records of all communications on the platform.
- Understand that all sales are final after notarization.
Don’t:
- Do not agree to off-platform communication via phone, email, text, or in-person visits.
- Do not make payments outside the platform; down payments are prohibited.
- Do not skip due diligence; verify ownership and transfer requirements.
- Do not assume Us After Death handles post-notarization facility communication.
Questions to Ask the Seller
- Ownership & Documentation: Can you provide proof of ownership? Are the notarized transfer forms prepared? Is the plot fully paid for with no outstanding balance?
- Facility Requirements & Rules: What are the cemetery’s rules regarding transfers, decorations, headstone types, burial containers, or visitation hours? Are there any special regulations I should know about?
- Plot Details & Measurements: What is the exact size of the plot, crypt, or niche? Is it a single, double, companion, family, or cremation space? Are there any easements or spacing limitations?
- Location-Specific Details: Can you confirm the exact location (section, garden, lot, and space number)? Is the plot easy to access? Are there any obstructions or sloping areas?
- Point of Contact Information: Who is the designated contact at the cemetery for handling transfers? Do they have a direct phone number or email? Are there specific people I need to ask for?
- Hours of Operation: What are the cemetery’s office hours for processing transfers? Are there any blackout days, weekends, or holiday closures that could delay paperwork?
- Promotions or Discounts: Are there any current promotions, price reductions, or discounts available for this listing that I should be aware of?
- Fees & Deadlines: Are there any transfer fees, administrative fees, or requirements for scheduling appointments? Are timelines strict or flexible?
- Verification Materials: Can you provide recent photos or a video of the plot, niche, or crypt, including surrounding landmarks, signage, and view of nearby markers?
- If the Seller is a Reseller: Why are you selling this plot or memorial space? How long have you owned it? Have you attempted a transfer before?
- If the Seller is a Site Manager or Broker: Are you authorized by the cemetery to sell on their behalf? Are there any conditions or restrictions on reselling?
- Transfer Process: What steps must I take after notarization? How long does the facility usually take to finalize ownership transfers?
- History of the Plot/Crypt/Niche: Has this space ever had a previous interment, reservation, or transfer attempt? Has it always been unused?
- Liens or Financial Holds: Can you confirm that there are no liens, unpaid balances, financing agreements, or financial holds on the plot, niche, or crypt that could delay or prevent the ownership transfer?
- Additional Considerations: Are there any upcoming cemetery maintenance projects, construction plans, or known issues in this section of the property?
How to Respond to Sellers Asking You to Go Off-Platform
- Politely decline: “For safety and compliance, I can only communicate and complete the purchase through Us After Death.”
- Request documentation on-platform: “Please provide photos, videos, and documents directly through the platform.”
- Do not provide personal contact information or agree to meet in person.
Preparing for Post-Notarization Steps
- Ask the seller for facility contacts and instructions so you know exactly who to submit notarized documents to.
- Confirm any transfer fees and deadlines with the facility directly.
- Keep a copy of all notarized documents for your records.
- Follow up with the facility until they confirm the ownership transfer is complete.
Key Takeaways
- All communication must remain on-platform.
- Photos, videos, and documentation are essential to verify listings.
- Sellers cannot accept payments outside escrow.
- Post-notarization, you are responsible for ensuring the facility receives your documents.
- Always ask detailed questions and keep records to prevent delays.
Your Responsibilities as a Buyer
To ensure a smooth purchase, you are responsible for the following:
- Due Diligence: Review all listing details, ownership documentation, and pricing before purchase.
- Accuracy: Provide correct personal information when creating an account and completing forms.
- Compliance: Follow all applicable laws regarding ownership and purchase.
- Escrow Understanding: Payments remain in escrow until notarized transfer documents are signed.
- Timely Communication: Respond promptly to messages from sellers and the platform.
- Final Decision: All sales are final and non-refundable once notarization is completed.
- Platform Use: Communicate only through the platform; bypassing escrow or conducting off-platform transactions is prohibited.
Important: Confirm all instructions from the Seller or facility before completing escrow. Contact the facility directly if needed. Your responsibilities continue after notarization.
Buyer/Customer Post-Notarization Responsibilities
After a purchase is notarized and ownership is officially transferred, Buyers/Customers may be required to complete two additional responsibilities directly with the facility or organization:
1. Delivery of the Notarized Document
Many facilities and organizations require the Buyer/Customer to provide a copy of the notarized transfer document before updating their internal ownership records.
2. Payment of Transfer Fees (if required)
Some cemeteries, memorial parks, or columbariums charge transfer fees. These fees are not paid through Us After Death and must be handled directly by the Buyer/Customer.
Buyer Responsibility for Confirming Requirements
It is the Buyer/Customer’s responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary steps, instructions, and contact information before escrow closes. Buyers should obtain this information from the Seller or by contacting the facility or organization directly.
Us After Death does NOT Communicate with Facilities
Us After Death does not:
- Deliver notarized documents to any facility
- Pay or process transfer fees on behalf of Buyers
- Communicate with cemeteries, organizations, or memorial parks to complete the transfer
- Handle or resolve any post-notarization requirements
All post-notarization confirmation steps must be completed by the Buyer/Customer directly with the facility or organization. Us After Death’s role ends once the purchase is notarized.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Confirm contact details and procedures with the Seller and facility.
- Keep copies of all notarized documents for your records.
- Pay any transfer fees promptly if required by the facility.
- Follow up with the facility to ensure the transfer is fully processed.
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