Most efficient way to trade single stock futures (doubt anyone knows this)

[Sky123987]

So I bought some stocks that I like and shorted some other stocks that I don't like via a single stock future exp December.


There are (2) ways I can exit.
1. Just sell the contract right before expiration.
2. Single Stock Futures are just like options where you get to take delivery of the actual stock.

#1 is a lot simpler, but there is often quite a bit of slippage on these things.

So I was thinking it would be more efficient to do #2, but how exactly does that work? Do I have to post the money to buy the stock, or is there a way I can "buy the stock" but sell it in the open market right away.

Thanks

 

[kxvid]

SSFs are cash settled. So you trade is settled based upon the settlement values on expiration.